Race axed after northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak

“We were so well prepared to run the race and we’re only six days from the start. This is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted.”

Cornish said the primary reason for the race being called off was concern for the safety of competitors and staff. The call was made when it became apparent the situation in Sydney was unlikely to improve in time.

The race was called off in line with the advice of Premier Gladys Berejiklian that all NSW residents limit non-essential travel.

“On behalf of the CYCA, I’d like to express my gratitude to our competitors, members, volunteers, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, New South Wales and Tasmanian governments, and other stakeholders for the very close working relationships we’ve developed through the year to make the race a possibility,” Cornish said.

“A special thank you to our partner Rolex for their support of the race and our club. This race has a long and proud history and we look forward to continuing this exciting tradition next year.”

On Saturday afternoon, Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein acknowledged it would be “very difficult for that race to continue”.

Loading

There are 38 cases associated with the northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak.

The entire population of the Northern Beaches Council area has been restricted to their homes until midnight on Wednesday, except for those who need to travel for “essential reasons”.

About 150 sailors, including Mark Bradford, the skipper of race favourite Black Jack, live in the northern beaches. About one third of the fleet was affected.

Tasmania has declared the northern beaches a hotspot, meaning anyone entering the state from the areas has to undergo 14 days in hotel quarantine.

Gutwein had said no exemptions would be granted to those involved with the race.

The situation is affecting other sports in NSW. The series between the Sydney Blue Sox and the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League was called off with two games left to play on Saturday, giving Aces players a chance to return to Victoria in case border restrictions were imposed.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Kings announced their pre-season fixture on Sunday against National Basketball League rivals the Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena will be played behind closed doors.