Italian 52 Super Series Regattas Cancelled due to COVID-19

52 SUPER SERIES fleet Dockside in Scarlino © Keith Brash

May's Royal Cup 52 SUPER SERIES Scarlino 2020 and June's Audi 52 SUPER SERIES Porto Cervo & TP52 20th Anniversary Invitational 2020 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In close collaboration with the host organisations, stakeholders and team owners, the 52 SUPER SERIES has cancelled the two key regattas, which were both due to take place in Italy. Both venues remain a priority when the calendar can be rescheduled.

The return to the popular, showcase Marina di Scarlino on Italy's beautiful Tuscan coast, was due to take place between May 12th to 16th. Since the circuit first visited in 2016, sailors and organisers have come to love the excellent infrastructure ashore and the quiet, understated chic ambience around the marina itself. The racing arena has proven challenging, but with reliable breezes, not least in 2017 when the class's Rolex TP52 World Championship was hosted by the Marina di Scarlino. And a lasting, ongoing legacy for the 52 SUPER SERIES has been the marina's adoption of a sustainability programme.

Equally, there has been considerable excitement and anticipation surrounding what promised to be a memorable 20th Anniversary Invitational regatta at the popular Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The biggest fleet of TP52s of recent years was due to assemble in Sardinia, around 20 boats, to compete at the fourth regatta of the 2020 season.

Agustín Zulueta, 52 SUPER SERIES CEO commented: "While we are disappointed about having to cancel our upcoming visits to these Italian venues we love, we are in no doubt that we will be back as soon as possible. We love theses distinctive areas for the passion and enthusiasm shown by our hosts. We have worked very closely with them in coming to these decisions and we will do all we can to be there later on this year.

As we all know, Italy has been hit hard by this global pandemic and our thoughts are with everyone affected there. On our part we are determined to shoulder our wider responsibilities to do what is best for the wider world. Right now as a 52 SUPER SERIES family we are concerned that everyone stays safe and minimises the risk of infection.

Looking to the longer term, right now we are developing a series of flexible action plans designed to ensure that as soon as we are told it is safe to gather again, and go racing, we will be able to roll out a suitable programme of regattas. We are in constant dialogue with our owners, teams and venues to offer each other support and keep everyone informed."

Rob Weiland, TP52 Class Manager added: "I share the disappointment everyone feels worldwide that major sporting events are having to be shelved, but health and wellbeing come first. The prospect of a celebration regatta to mark the 20th anniversary of the TP52 class remains one of our priorities and with the June event cancelled we will start communicating with the owners about the best time and venue for another attempt at the TP52 20th Anniversary Invitational as soon as we realistically can."

For more information visit www.52superseries.com