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Organizers of the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race are considering all of their options, including an ‘alternative race’, as they remain determined not to cancel the event for the second year in a row.
The 2020 race has been canceled due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is hopeful that the 76th edition of the 628nm classic will return this year, although changes need to be made.
“We are working on a number of challenges again as we prepare for this year’s race,†said Commodore Noel Cornish of CYCA.
“We recognize that some decisions will be beyond our control, but we remain hopeful that the race will go as planned on Boxing Day.”
The organizers are still accepting applications until the end of October for the 2021 race, which already has more than 70 boats entered to compete and leave Sydney Harbor, and sail the Tasman Sea through the Bass Strait and up to the east coast of Tasmania before arriving in Storm Bay and up the River Derwent to the Hobart finish line.
“We are in talks with the governments of New South Wales and Tasmania to keep abreast of policy changes,” said Cornish.
“CYCA focuses on what is under our control. A broad COVID security plan is already in place and is regularly adapted to comply with the latest COVID-19 restrictions.
“We also encourage competitors to consider their immunization status, in case that is a requirement of either state government.”
Organizers hope for Sydney to Hobart race
Current restrictions in NSW have stopped races for the time being and the Tasmanian border is also closed to those in NSW.
This has led organizers to consider all of their options if the situation does not change by December in time for the traditional Boxing Day race.
“Contingency planning is underway and we are considering an alternative race if the border with Tasmania remains closed,†Cornish said.
“More information will be available over the next few months, but our priority will always be to preserve the route that has made the Rolex Sydney Hobart the pinnacle of deep sea sailing for the past 77 years.
“I would like to thank our race sponsor, Rolex, all of CYCA’s partners and competitors for their support and understanding as we tackle these challenges together.”
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