The Chester Yacht Club sent out a release over the weekend confirming this year’s Helly Hansen Chester Race Week has been postponed to 2021.
In the release, it says the decision was made in coordination with the race’s steering comittee who identified multiple issues casued by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After surveying 130 former skippers they found a common concern was that ships would not be able to find a full crew. With no clear idea on what travel restictions will be in mid-August when the event was set to take place they anticpated a 60 per cent drop in registartions.
Sponsors also play a key role in finnancing the event and in the release the CYC says some sponsors have raised concerns about their ability to get equipment to the event and their staffs health and safety.
The steering committee for the race informed the had since given their recomendation to the CYC who in turn agreed.
The Helly Hansen Chester Race Week typicly takes place annually and is the North Americas largest keelboat regatta.
The event was originally scheduled to take place between August 12th to the 15th.
