Australian Sailing statement on Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race cancellation

2020 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Kurt Arrigo

Australian Sailing shares the sadness of the sailing community at the announcement of the cancellation of the 76th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The 2020 ROLEX Sydney Hobart has been cancelled amid COVID-19 concerns following the ongoing outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches and the resulting 14 days isolation required for anyone from Greater Sydney arriving in Tasmania.

"The race is an Australian institution, and one that the nation has looked forward to every Boxing Day since 1945. It was our hope that this year's race would be able to proceed but Australian Sailing supports the decision made by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA)," said Australian Sailing President Daniel Belcher at the announcement.

"While we are all disappointed that this iconic race has been cancelled, Noel Cornish and the CYCA need to be commended for putting the health and safety of the sailors and the community at the forefront of this difficult decision."

Australian Sailing would like to acknowledge those who put a tremendous amount of work into this year's event, including those from the CYCA, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, New South Wales and Tasmanian governments as well as the club members, competitors and volunteers.

"The sailing community is strong. We have no doubt that next year's Great Race will be one of the best as we celebrate both a return to racing out of the heads and a victory over the pandemic," Belcher ended.