The SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) 2020 committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s regatta, which was to be held from 27 August to 2 September.

Whilst the COVID19 situation is worsening in eastern states, Event Chairman, Mike Steel, said the decision to cancel Townsville Yacht Club’s popular annual event had been arrived at following lengthy discussions through a number of days.

“The Committee unanimously agreed that while the risks of contracting COVID19 in North Queensland at this time are small, the consequences should it happen are far greater,” Steel said. “Being a community-based club, keeping our sailing and wider-spread community safe is of paramount importance.”

Townsville Yacht Club and the SMIRW committee community asks for understanding in this matter: “We felt advising competitors now allows them time to make alternative plans, particularly those who are travelling to take part in our regatta,” Steel said.

Race Week officials have advised accommodation providers on Magnetic Island, including Peppers Blue on Blue Resort (which the regatta centres around) and Best of Magnetic. Both are willing to retain current bookings, reschedule/roll over bookings to another date, or to cancel and refund monies to competitors and their entourages.

Steel said, “We appreciate the disappointment competitors and all involved will be feeling. The committee and the TYC are just as devastated. This decision has been made after 12 months of the most difficult circumstances in which to plan an event. It has required possibly more discussion and planning than any other year, due to the evolving landscape of COVID19.”

Over the next week, Townsville Yacht Club will work with entrants to refund entries fees.

We look forward to seeing you all on the water in 2021 for the 14th running of SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.

For all information on this special event visit www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.

by Di Pearson, SMIRW Media