Newport Bermuda Race 2020 cancelled

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) has cancelled the 2020 Newport Bermuda Race due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The biennial race, founded in 1906, had 200 entries and was due to start for the 52nd time on June 19.

“As representatives of the race’s co-sponsoring clubs—the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club—the BROC believes in promoting the practice of safety as a way of life offshore,” Jay Gowell, BROC Chairman, wrote in a letter to competitors today.

“Our Committee has always held the position that we can only conduct the Bermuda Race if conditions for competitors and local populations made it safe to do so. After continuing to seek guidance from numerous government and medical advisors, it has become evident there is no longer a timeline allowing our sailors and supporters to prepare for and participate in this offshore race safely.”

The driving factor in the decision was reducing the risk of exposure to competitors and the community. Preparing boats for an offshore race takes time, commitment, and logistics that may expose communities and families unnecessarily. Sailing offshore may result in contact with asymptomatic infected shipmates during the race and could adversely affect the Bermudian population at the conclusion of the race.

“This decision is extremely disappointing to our sailors as well as organizers,” Gowell said. “As an international race organizing authority, it is our responsibility to be a part of the solution to reduce the risk of exposure.”

Read the full text of the Competitor Bulletin here.

The next edition of the Newport Bermuda Race is scheduled to begin on June 17th, 2022.

by Newport Bermuda Race Media

YachtBoatNews

Share
Published by
YachtBoatNews

Recent Posts

Vendee Globe

New Zealand born and raised, USA educated, and now French resident Conrad Colman one of…

1 day ago

Rolex Sydney Hobart

Entries for the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have recently closed, with an impressive…

1 day ago

Women’s Championship in IC37s

The New York Yacht Club is pleased to announce the inaugural International Women's Championship, a…

3 days ago

Bermuda Women’s Match Race

The Netherlands' Julia Aartsen and France's Pauline Courtois completed the round robin stage of the…

4 days ago

14th Catamarans Cup International Regatta

The top sailing event of Greece is at the starting line for the 14th consecutive…

2 weeks ago

Rolex Middle Sea Race

Classic contests have spread throughout the fleet on the third day of the 2024 Rolex…

2 weeks ago