A high-profile sailing regatta set to make its debut in Point Roberts this summer has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the weekend, the organizers of Point Roberts Race Week announced the cancellation of the event.
The Race Week Advisory Board has been watching COVID-19 very intently since the onset, but with the most recent developments, there is no choice but to cancel,” said event producer Schelleen Rathkopf in an event advisory. “It was just announced that the border closure between US & Canada will remain in effect for a minimum of 30 more days. Whatcom County just released a directive that all events that attract more than 10 persons will be banned through the summer and of course Point Roberts is part of Whatcom County.
“This is especially heartbreaking as so much time, energy and financial resources have already gone into the preparations for the debut of the new venue in Point Roberts this summer. We have the Corsair National Championships, the 6mR North Americans, the Carr Trophy, and an entire new community engaged to host Point Roberts Race Week. To get to this point has been a year's worth of work and cancelling the event due to COVID-19 is especially difficult.”
Rathkopf thanked all of their event sponsors as well as stating that planning for the 2021 event will begin immediately. The new dates being considered are July 12-16, July 19-23 and July 26-30. Their hope is to maintain both the Corsairs Nationals and 6mR North Americans, in addition to the coveted Carr Trophy. Sponsor procurement efforts for 2021 will also begin immediately.
“Be safe and well. My hope is that we can move through this pandemic and come out stronger on the other side,” said Rathkopf.
See more on the event details at: https://whidbeyislandraceweek.com/.
