Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is quiet this weekend after the Royal Yachting Association’s last-minute cancelation of the UK Youth Nationals.
The RYA says it made the decision “to safeguard sailors and their families, volunteers, race officials and event staff in light of the severe weather forecast and in the context of the current COVID-19 situation”.
Mark Nicholls, RYA youth racing manager and Youth National Championships event director, said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to cancel the 2020 Youth Nationals for the 29er, 420 and ILCA 6 classes, and it was not a decision that was taken lightly.
“However we have always maintained that we would only go ahead with this event if we could do so safely, and with a forecast for heavy winds combined with COVID-19 restrictions we feel that cancelling the regatta is the best option to protect the welfare of all involved.”
RYA director of racing Ian Walker added: “We have been dealing with a constantly changing situation and while we desperately wanted to host this event for all the young sailors who have had such a difficult year, in the end it has all conspired against us.
“Despite this, we will continue to try and support training and racing for so long as it is safe to do so. Our thanks go to all our stakeholders for their support and understanding, but especially the team at WPNSA who have been incredible as always.”
The RYA says refunds will be issued for all competitors, with details to come.
Meanwhile, next weekend’s RYA Olympic Ranker, Youth Nationals and 470 Nationals regatta at Weymouth and Portland from October 30 to November 1 is still on course as of time of publication.
