Sydney-Hobart canned after Premier orders compulsory quarantine for NSW crews

Crews and boats are stuck in Sydney after the Sydney-Hobart yacht race cancelled for the first time since it started. ALL THE DETAILS >>>

• Returning Northern Beaches travellers must self-isolate as Sydney-Hobart in doubt
• Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race 2020: iconic event cancelled for first time in 76 year history

A THOUSAND sailors will spend Christmas in quarantine or having extra time on their hands after the Sydney to Hobart yacht race was sensationally cancelled last night – the first time since the world-renown event started in 1945.

Premier Peter Gutwein’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney, which meant anyone arriving in Tasmania from the area, would need to quarantine for 14 days, sunk the 76th edition of the race.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia had an emergency meeting with major sponsor Rolex and its television broadcaster last night.

It was decided there was no alternative but to shut down one of the biggest events on the Australian calendar.

Cruising Yacht Club Australia Commodore Noel Cornish made the announcement to cancel the 2020 event.

CYCA boss Noel Cornish – who caught COVID-19 in Sydney’s last outbreak and caused his club to shut down and suspend racing – said it was a gut-wrenching call with all of the boats and so many crew members already at the club ready to race.

“We are bitterly disappointed to cancel the race this year, especially considering the plans and preparations we had put in place to have a COVID safe race,” he said.

“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.”

Almost two-thirds of the 78-strong fleet was from NSW, and it was estimated that almost half of those had crew members from the Northern Beaches, many of whom had mingled with teammates from other non-hot spot areas.

Cornish said the primary consideration for the CYCA was the safety of competitors, members and staff, along with the health and welfare of the people of NSW and Tasmania.

“Following the announcement by the Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein, it is now impracticable for the CYCA to conduct the race under prevailing COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.

“The Northern Beaches local government area of Sydney had been classified a ‘high risk’ zone, which would prevent any residents from travelling to Tasmania.

“This afternoon, Greater Sydney was defined as ‘medium risk’, whereby people entering Tasmania from Sydney are required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

“As this restriction would apply to all competitors, families, race management and staff, it is unrealistic to proceed further with planning for the race.”

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2019

The 2020 Sydney-Hobart will now be the race that never was.

“The immense logistics involved in reorganising and running a significant sporting event such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race, as well as the planning and preparation required by crews, precludes the club from postponing the race,” Cornish said.

“This race has a long and proud history and we look forward to continuing this exciting tradition next year.”

Jane Howlett, Minister for Sport and Recreation, backed the decision.

“It’s disappointing, but necessary to protect the health and safety of all Tasmanians,” she said.

“The event has been an iconic part of the Tasmanian calendar for 75 years and I feel for those who were looking forward to participating in the event or cheering the yachts in during the holiday period.

“There is no doubt 2020 continues to challenge our state, but this is just another hurdle we will overcome and I look forward to the event returning bigger and better than ever in 2021.”