2020 Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championship delayed to 2021 with unwavering support
by Mark Angell 24 Jul 2020 15:07 BST
15-18 August 2021
Following the announcement earlier in the year of the Sonata National Championships returning to Cowes, Isle of Wight for their 44th edition of the annual event and after a gap of 18 years, the organising team have had to take the hard and sad decision to delay the 2020 Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championships to 2021.
The whole world has been shaken by the COVID 19 epidemic which has had a huge impact on day to day life, and the 2020 yacht racing season. Wanting to wait and leave the decision as late as possible whilst heeding the latest government guidance the organising committee have taken the difficult decision, taking into account many factors. However, in its place the Island Sailing Club will host a Sonata Open event on the 22nd/23rd August 2020, involving just racing adhering to the government social distancing advice (unless social distancing and current rules change). The event is open to all Sonata teams who are invited to come and compete, not just South Coast based boats!
Continuing their unwavering support of the Cowes Sonata fleet, Goodall Roofing have confirmed their commitment to support the National Championship when they take place in August 2021 and will be supporting the Cowes Sonata Open. Luke Goodall, MD Goodall Roofing "The lockdown has been a tough time for everyone, we've seen many events cancelled but we're committed to supporting events on the Isle of Wight and the Sonata Open is a small event that we hope will get people out on the water and entice some crews to travel to Cowes."
Event organiser Chris Halewood: "We have been following closely the advice of the government and the RYA, with the combined impact of social distancing and the cancellation of many events, we cannot clearly see how a Nationals, as we know it, with racing and great social events, that we all expect, can happen. With this in mind we have taken the hard decision to make the announcement so that everyone knows where they stand."
The Island Sailing Clubs Sailing Secretary Ben Ferris added "COVID 19 has had a huge effect on the 2020 sailing calendar with staple events such as Cowes Week and Cowes Classic Week cancelled and our very popular Round the Island Race moved to the 26th September. Like all clubs across the country our racing calendar has been decimated and unfortunately, we have had to take hard decisions this season. With some light at the end of the tunnel we look forward to providing some great racing on the weekend of the 22nd/23rd August 2020 strictly adhering to government restrictions and social distancing advice."
More information, Notice of Race and registration for the Cowes Sonata Open will be made available in due course. Competitors already entered for the Goodall Roofing Sonata National Championships 2020 will be invited to roll over their entry to the 2021 event, which will run from the 15th - 18th August 2021.
For the Northern Area and Inland boats, the Sonata Inland Championship will take place on Lake Windermere over the weekend of the 7th/8th November.