SailGP: Bermuda goes into seven day lockdown ahead of opening SailGP round
by Richard Gladwell Sail-World NZ 11 Apr 19:16 PDT
12 April 2021
The Denmark SailGP preparing to sail in Bermuda ahead of the second round of SailGP © Brian Carlin/Rockwool
It has been announced in Bermuda that the island will enter a "shelter at home" policy for the next seven days at least.
During the media conference in Bermuda, the question of the lockdown on SailGP, due to get underway on April 24-26 was raised. Premier David Burt said that the effect of the new measures did not consider the requirements of SailGP for training or racing. "When the Cabinet made its decision, the Cabinet did not consider what the impact on SailGP might be. We're acting on in the interests of health. We will work with the organisers to ensure that any activity is carried out in full compliance with the regulations and without exception."
However the Premier did indicate that the matter of SailGP teams training and competing could be considered by the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but doubled-down on the previous comment about full compliance with the regulations being required without exception.
In making the lockdown announcement Premier Burt announced that he had also tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating. It is reported that he had been vaccinated but shows no symptoms.
The stay at home order will start at 5.00am on Tuesday. Working from home is mandatory.
The moves follow an increase in positive cases and deaths in the British Overseas Territory, with a population of 71,000.
It was also announced that the Bermuda Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to consider further regulations including further border controls. The airport has not been closed. A second announcement will will follow the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.
At least one team Denmark SailGP is already sailing in Bermuda, with the New Zealand SailGP team due to leave for Bermuda on Thursday. The start of the series is being keenly awaited following the conclusion of the 36th America's Cup and with three of the skippers from Auckland sailing in the Bermudan event, including Peter Burling, skipper of the New Zealand team.