F18 Worlds 2022 in Australia are Cancelled
Below one of the reasons we supported the 2021 Worlds in Italy to go ahead no matter what, as our friends from Aus were already captive literally and now they cannot even plan ahead for 2022, they envisioned same current in/out travel hard restrictions and sadly went for a cancellation.
Meanwhile 2021 Worlds in Italy are full go with 80 entries so far (same status for Opti 2021 Worlds at Garda):
– Official Web & Registration: www.f18world2021.org/en/regatta/registration
– Entry List: www.f18world2021.org/en/regatta/entries
2022 Europeans will be held in Garda, event which will be transformed in a Worlds Championship. Below IF18CA news sent by Olivier Bovyn.
AUS F18 forced to cancel 2022 Worlds in Western Australia
Australia is quite a covid free country, which is something that you cannot put a price on in the current times…
But this medal has a reverse. You may have heard Australian Government recently announced for their borders to be maintained closed until mid 2022 at the soonest.
Hence AUS F18 Chair Darren Flanagan informed us that under the strict restrictions put in place, international competitors will not be allowed to visit Australia without permission and a two week quarantine on arrival…
Then, we all feel that almost no competitors would not even attempt to attend the regatta and, following, Australian Formula 18 Association has been forced to cancel the 2022 World championships scheduled in Rockingham at Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia, thanks to them for taking this prompt, responsible, and courageous decision.
One can imagine how disappointing it is for our Rockingham friends to renounce organizing our pinnacle event, and same for Australian sailors not to be given the opportunity to compete for World Title in their home waters.
After this second cancellation, it is likely it may be some years until AUS F18 are ready to bid for another world championships but, whatever, it is clear the Class will give absolute priority to Australian F18 Association as soon they will be ready to put a new bid forward, what we all sincerely hope to happen asap.
In the meantime, IF18CA ExCo will work on a possible alternate 2022 event.
Assuring all those involved in preparing top Worlds in WA of our deepest recognition, and looking forward better times,
Sincerely,
Olivier Bovyn, on behalf of IF18CA Executive Board
