May 20, 2020, (BRISTOL, R.I.) – On Wednesday, May 20, World Sailing announced the cancellation of the 2020 Offshore Sailing World Championship.
According to the organization, “The many uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic have forced the postponement of the one-design L30 charter boat production and distribution across Europe, and have disrupted the ability of Member National Authorities (MNAs) to run qualification events to decide who may enter the event. In light of these difficult circumstances, World Sailing’s Board of Directors decided it is prudent and fairer to cancel the 2020 edition of the Offshore Worlds. The event was expecting to feature teams of mixed sailors from 20 nations from each continent. The inaugural edition of the Offshore World Championship will now take place in 2021.”
Due to the cancellation of this event, US Sailing’s posted selection procedures for the 2020 Offshore Sailing World Championships are declared void.
The Mixed Doublehanded Offshore discipline is one of the five new classes that will make their debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. According to US Sailing’s Olympic Development Director, Leandro Spina (Miami, Fla.), “We’re really excited by the addition and opportunity of this new discipline, and continue to look forward with our tasks and sailor’s next steps. The energy is high as we put thoughts into motion and start sailing in this new and unique Olympic class.”
The 2020 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac (CYCRTM) was scheduled to be the qualifier for The Mixed Offshore World Championships. Currently, the CYCRTM is still scheduled for July 17-21, 2020. For more information and updates, visit the website.
Learn more about Mixed Doublehanded Offshore Discipline in the U.S.
For questions, please contact olympicoffshore@ussailing.org.