Laser North American Championships rescheduled for 2021

Laser North American Championships © St. Francis Yacht Club

The Laser North American Championships have been rescheduled for July 14-18, 2021, at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA. The regatta was planned for September 2-6, 2020, however the ongoing safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a delay.

"We reviewed a variety of scenarios for how to safely and fairly run this regatta in September and determined that prudence should win the day," said St. Francis Yacht Club Executive Race Committee Chair Gerard Sheridan. "We're relishing the opportunity to bring the top Laser sailors to our world-class venue next summer where we can revel in competition and camaraderie amidst excellent Laser racing."

With sailors invited from the United States, Canada and Mexico, the International Laser Class Association North Americans serve as the continental championships for the Laser Standard, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 classes.

"Even though the Laser is, by design, a boat for solo sailors and we could have created an event with checks in place to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 infection, the border restrictions, the risks inherent to travel, the potential quarantine requirements and other health considerations would have been unfair to competitors who are not local," Sheridan added. "It wouldn't be the North Americans if two-thirds of the countries couldn't attend."

St. Francis Yacht Club is in the City and County of San Francisco and must operate according to local restrictions on events and gatherings, which would have made hosting fans and families difficult. "St. Francis members love to rally for these events and watch the action from our clubhouse. Now we'll be able to create an experience for Laser fans, club spectators, and the friends and families of competitors that is more in line with our high standards for a regatta," said 2020 Commodore Ken Glidewell.

Regatta Chair Tracy Usher is already looking forward to 2021. "This is the pinnacle event in North America each year for Laser sailors and we didn't want to offer a less than stellar experience," Usher said. "This delay allows us to prepare for a time when the uncertainties of the pandemic have passed and we can safely enjoy a fair fight on the water that draws top-notch competitors from all corners of North America."

For more information, visit the ILCA's official website, www.laser.org.