The first two coastal races have already been postponed and the flags have just been raised today to announce the postponement of Race 3 and Race 4 - these were the first two offshore qualifying races from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead scheduled for 2nd May and the Conwy to Dun Laoghaire on 23rd May .
Looking at reshaping the 2020 series Chairman Peter Ryan said 'we are committed to running a full series in 2020 by providing the offshore racing requested by competitors. To achieve this, we will continue to listen to suggestions and consider all options. We will introduce all of the cutting-edge technologies to achieve this'
There is, however, a lot of speculation about when the lock-down restrictions will be eased or lifted, what form of social distancing will be imposed and for how long these will last. We then need to consider the impact these restrictions will have on sailing and offshore racing. We are, of course, reliant on the advice given by our National Governing Bodies RYA & IS. Whilst considering options the safety of our competitor and those who support us is of paramount importance.
ISORA does, however, have the ability to be very flexible in setting a revised programme and will react very quickly when there is clarity in what will be allowed.
We have looked at a number of options in what may be a very crowded calendar for late summer and autumn. In considering options we are conscious that ISORA has always provided the races required to qualify for the round Ireland Race and we hope to provide this again this year. The new date for RI is 22nd August. We also want to support other established Championships and Regattas, such as the Wave Regatta 11th - 13th September and the IRC Welsh National Championship 14th to 16th August. The ISORA-organised 160-mile Dublin Bay to Cork Harbour Race is also in the mix with a proposed start date of 31st July.
We have set out in the attached document and on our web site (link here) the latest proposal for the revised 2020 ISORA Series.
We will keep you informed by e-newsletters and web site notices. Please get your crew to subscribe to the ISORA e-newsletters by following the link below.
The starting gun for our first Virtual Offshore Race will be next weekend and details will be circulated by e-newsletter later this week - watch this space to enter your boat. In true ISORA spirit an après sail gathering (on Zoom) will be arranged, with refreshments and a chat to discuss tactics and plan for the next race!
Keep safe
Stephen
Stephen Tudor
HON. Secretary ISORA