Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge abandoned due to safety concerns
by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 9 Dec 2019 17:22 PST
10 December 2019
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge © Emily Rundle
Today's Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, on Sydney Harbour, has been abandoned due to safety concerns.
Spectator, public and competitor safety remains at the heart of all races the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) runs and with thick smoke blanketing the harbour and causing visibility issues, the Club feels this was the responsible action to take.
"We're very disappointed to abandon the 2019 Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge but for the safety of spectators, public and competitors, we made the call," CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham said.
"The safety of all competitors in the 2019 Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, in addition to those working on the harbour, is extremely important to us and our number one priority.
"The best available information is that nothing about the conditions will change in the short term so delaying the start wasn't an option.
"Our thoughts, of course, are with those worst-affected by the bushfires - and those fighting the fires across the state."