So what’s everyone’s take on the start of the 2020 racing’s season? I see Straits has been cancelled - should it have been completely? What about the opener…
What are other people thinking???
It’s an interesting question; the social events almost certainly need to be cancelled if there is to be ‘social distancing’, but the races themselves don’t seem to be especially dangerous from a contagion perspective. Part of the issue for straits may have been that the safety inspections would have had to be cancelled, along with the talks and awards/briefing, so cancelling the whole event made sense.
It seems like the open questions now are whether to cancel the racing side of local events, and how far out to cancel events (i.e. at what point do they cancel Round Saltspring or Round Bowen which are in May and June respectively).
All of this also depends on how much social distancing ends up happening.
Within the VARC series, Straits is unique in attracting a significant number of US boats. It would be unreasonable to expect them to cross the border, plus the other reasons mentioned. Hopefully we will see RVYC Race Day proceed.
The other thing is Straits has way more people involved in the planning and execution of the race than most regattas. I am told it takes around 130 volunteers to make everything run smoothly. That’s alot of people who may be unnecessarily exposed (in a worse case scenario). I’m disappointed too but I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to make for all involved.
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Regretfully, TCYC is cancelling the Spring Tuneup too.
We’d originally thought that by reducing it to single-lap around-a-freighter races (with no gathering afterward) it would be suitable for socially-distanced skeleton crews, but we received strong community feedback that even this would be be setting a bad example, and so we have cancelled.
To avoid “setting a bad example”, did they consider running it at night 
The Pacific NW Offshore (Oregon) has also been cancelled.
Swiftsure is now cancelled…
Wraith, any news or speculation on R2AK?
Royal Van COVID-19 Announcement, March 18
In a nutshell, as of today Jericho Clubhouse is closed until further notice, and all programs and events there for the next 60 days. Opener, Wednesday Night Racing, and May One Design Regatta are also cancelled.
Here is the R2AK News as of March 19th (it is still on)
"To all racers,
I imagine in this day and age our news feed looks very similar and is awash in COVID updates. The answer you won’t find there is, “what about the races, R2AK and SEVENTY48?” They are still on.
The Northwest Maritime Center, proud non-profit of both races, has made some strategic and dramatic shifts to stay ahead of the pitfalls other companies who, if they deny the impact of COVID-19, may succumb to in the ensuing weeks. While restricting other Maritime Center activities we have decided to focus on our magazine 48ºNorth and three events: Race to Alaska, SEVENTY48 and our fall event The Wooden Boat Festival.
*Our races were created to celebrate the improbable hero in us all and recognize the power of togetherness in overcoming adversity. The Northwest Maritime Center has chosen to reflect that culture and those precepts. Even now, as Canada and the US agreed to further restrict travel across our shared border, we adapt. Can we run R2AK around Canada? Could we have separate starts? Better yet can we bring in our more economical American cheese to Canada, exchange it for toilet paper and reclassify R2AK as a trade partner? Year one of Race to Alaska was a success against all odds, so why not year six? Hurdles involving SEVENTY48, for now, appear less dramatic. We will continue. *
We choose not to be held hostage by this global fear and are proceeding full steam ahead with pre-race social media campaigns, racer bio’s, features and exploring a video blog or podcast to enhance the storytelling. The reality is, by far, the largest viewing numbers we experience for both races are online. Ironically, the viewing of our races is made for this pandemic and people will be starving for something reflecting the human determination, hope and courage we all seek to lead us out of this plight. I plan to offer just that. A successful year must mean success for us all. The aphorism, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” has never been more true or important. I will strive for our races to continue to be a beacon of innovation, hope and strength. I ask you to continue posting on your own social feeds and sites. Train, help and unite. Tell us and the world about it. Let’s be that rising tide together. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I will be putting out more information as we learn more. I am glad you are along for the ride.
Cheers,"
So as the weather improves - and we are encouraged to still go out and walk - get some fresh air - how does this apply to boating? Can we sail to marinas or are they closing as well? Can 2 boats raft and socialize but stay off of each other’s boat?
R2AK
Update from the Race Boss, April 24, 2020
There are two ways to say this:
- R2AK and SEVENTY48 are canceled in 2020.
- R2AK and SEVENTY 2020 aren’t canceled, but you can’t cross the starting line until 2021.
(that is sad, I was looking forward to following this and the local entries)
