The Goodall Roofing Sonata National Sailing Championships – due to take place later this month (August) – has been postponed until 2021.
The event was making its return after an 18-year absence, but organisers have taken the difficult decision to move the 44th championships to next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Continuing its unwavering support of the Cowes Sonata fleet, Goodall Roofing has confirmed its commitment to support the National Championship when they take place in August 2021 and will be supporting the Cowes Sonata Open.
Goodall Roofing Managing Director, Luke Goodall, said:
“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 an event that we hope will get people out on the water and entice some crews to travel to Cowes.”
However, the Island Sailing Club has announced it will host a reduced level Sonata Open event on the weekend of August 22/23 this year, involving just racing, adhering to Government social distancing guidance.
The event is open to all Sonata teams who are invited to come and compete, not just south coast based boats.
Event organiser, Chris Halewood, said:
“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.”
Island Sailing Club Sailing Secretary, Ben Ferris, added:
“COVID-19 has had a huge effect on the 2020 sailing calendar with staple events such as Cowes Week, Cowes Classic Week and Round the Island Race cancelled.
“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 August 22/23, strictly adhering to Government restrictions and social distancing advice.”