Poole Week: The show will go on... in 2021

RS400s racing during Poole Week 2019 © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

Racing in Poole Harbour in August scuppered by continuing restrictions

There came a point at which a decision had to be made: to run Poole Week this year, or not to run it? Until recently, Poole Week's organising committee had been optimistic that it would be possible to go ahead, running the event in a modified form to take account of 'social distancing' and other such constraints as would affect a regatta week of this nature.

Sadly, as the weeks ticked by it became apparent that restrictions were not being, and were looking unlikely to be, eased sufficiently to allow Poole Week to take place, even without the socialising and shore-side entertainment for which the event is renowned. As one would-be competitor and experienced organiser of regattas put it, 'the major summer events are falling like flies at the moment as everyone comes to a similar conclusion. There's not really any room left to manoeuvre'.

The announcement will be a great disappointment to those who have entered and who were planning to, but will also come as no surprise.

Good news is that plans are already under way for Poole Week 2021, and the three main sponsors - Bournemouth Digital, Axent Embroidery and Badger Beers - have pledged their support. The dates will be Sunday 22nd to Friday 27th August 2021.

Parkstone Yacht Club and the organisers of Poole Week look forward to welcoming competitors to a bigger-and-better-than-ever Poole Week next year.

Keep up to date on www.PooleWeek.org