Sydney to Hobart cancelled
"This is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted."
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Coronavirus, News
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been cancelled for the first time in its history following an outbreak on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The news follows an announcement by the Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein of a 14 day quarantine for all visitors from greater Sydney.
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Noel Cornish said, “We are bitterly disappointed to cancel the race this year, especially considering the plans and preparations we had put in place to have a COVID-safe race.
“We were so well prepared to run the race and we’re only six days from the start. This is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted.
“On behalf of the CYCA, I’d like to express my gratitude to our competitors, members, volunteers, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, NSW and Tasmanian governments, and other stakeholders for the very close working relationships we’ve developed through the year to make the race a possibility.”
There are currently 38 cases associated with the northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak but NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised residents to brace for more.
The Sydney to Hobart race traditionally screens on Seven.
Share
- Tagged with Sydney to Hobart
3 Responses
This is a baffling decision. There seems to be so many options for adapting the race, I can’t understand their thinking at all.
Crews would have faced 14 days quarantine in Hobart, although some vowed to turn around and go back without touching soil.
Oh no…really saddening to see it cancelled, maybe it could have just been rerun a little later next year?