07/27/2020
Rolex Big Boat Series 2020 Cancelled
Sailors, friends and fans ~ we have some news for you about the regatta.
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, the 2020 Rolex Big Boat Series hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California, has been canceled.
“These are difficult times, and this was a difficult decision, but as a socially responsible member of both our local community and the greater sailing community, it was the right decision for St. Francis Yacht Club and all involved,” says Commodore Ken Glidewell.
“Up until the final decision was made, we were fully vested in planning to safely race in 2020,” says Rolex Big Boat Series Regatta Chair Susan Ruhne. “We were encouraged by the 51 skippers who had registered to compete and we had plans in place to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19. We weren’t giving up, but reality is not something we can avoid.”
The next Rolex Big Boat Series is scheduled for September 15-19, 2021.
Since 1964, Rolex Big Boat Series has been canceled only one other time: in 2001 after the attack on the World Trade Center, which occurred two days before the start of the regatta. Competitors flying in from New Zealand were turned around midair with no explanation until they landed back in Auckland. That year would have been the biggest field of boats competing in the regatta’s history.
“The St. Francis Yacht Club and Rolex Big Boat Series have been around for a long time and we will be here well past the era of COVID-19. We can take a year off in the name of safety for our sailors, our members and our community,” said Commodore Glidewell. “We look forward to seeing you in 2021.”
Read the press release in full: https://rolexbigboatseries.com/news/article/rolex-big-boat-series-on-hold-until-2021