2020 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race cancelled
Sydney’s COVID-19 cluster has forced organisers behind the 76th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to pull out of the eventOrganisers behind the 2020 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race say the event will not go ahead for the first time in its history as the city that hosts the famous start line grapples with a new COVID-19 outbreak.
The decision was made late yesterday after Tasmania again slammed shut its borders, announcing that any new arrivals to the island state would need to self-quarantine for 14 days – including those crossing the Derwent River finish line in Hobart.
“It is with great regret that the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announces that the 76th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will not be proceeding in 2020,” a statement from the club that hosts the trial said.
“The impact of COVID-19 that has disrupted sporting events around the globe for so much of the year has added the great race to its list.”
In the lead-up to the event, 92 entrants had registered to make the 628-nautical-mile sprint down Australia's south-east coastline and across Bass Strait to Hobart.
'Bitterly disappointed'
CYCA commodore Noel Cornish said the club was “bitterly disappointed” the event had to be cancelled given the plans and preparations – including following the Federal Government’s strict COVIDSafe guidelines – that were in place.
“We were so well prepared to run the race and we’re only six days from the start,” Cornish said. “This is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted.”
Sydney’s northern beaches area, where the COVID-19 outbreak is centred, is home to a number of the competing yachts in this year’s race.
Tasmania yesterday declared a number of areas in NSW as “high risk” for COVID-19, including the Northern Beaches Council area at the epicentre of the latest outbreak.
It also declared the entire area of greater Sydney was a “medium-risk” zone.
Under the new restrictions, anyone visiting Tasmania from a medium- or high-risk area is required to quarantine for 14 days, either in “a suitable premises” or dip into their own pocket to wait out the quarantine period in a “government-designated” quarantine.
Crews stood down
The crew of supermaxi Infotrack, a multiple Sydney Hobart Yacht Race winner and one of this year’s race favourites, was yesterday stood down in the wake of the CYCA’s cancellation notice .
“Just a few days ago I was feeling very lucky to be in this place with an amazing crew and as the favourite to win the race,” InfoTrack skipper Christian Beck said last night.
“It’s devastating for that to change so quickly. I am so proud of this crew that not only prepared the boat and pulled together a fantastic team in such a short time, but who also received line honours in all the lead up races – Cabbage Tree Island Race, the Solas Big Boat Challenge and the Saturday short race.
“I cannot thank the crew enough and all we can do is come back next year and win the race – fifth time lucky!”
The 2020 event was also to have celebrated 75 years of female participation in the race.
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