Despite the latest lockdowns in NSW and the South East corner of Queensland, the organisers of Airlie Beach Race Week continue to plan for the 2021 version of the event. With a number of competitors indicating that they are unable to attend, the regatta director and Chairman, Ross Chisholm, said today that the Whitsunday Sailing Club and the ABRW organising committee are committed to ensuring the regatta continues for those who are able to attend.
The entire organising committee feels for all of the boat owners, skippers, crews and supporters who were planning to make this a bumper year, with over 170 entries, and who are now unable to attend due to matters outside their control. All of these people have made substantial committment to being there, many being forced to miss out for the second year in a row.
Airlie Beach Race Week was one of only a few events to run last year, with 66 boats in attendance. In recent weeks Whitsunday Sailing Club has been anticipating a fleet of approximately 100 boats after the run of events preventing many boat from NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
Hopefully the SE Queensland lockdown will be lifted in time for many of the boats and crew to still attend.
For those unable to attend, Airlie Beach Race Week is offering a deferred entry into next year’s ABRW regatta at this year’s price. For those wishing to take up this offer, please contact Whitsunday Sailing Club on 07 4946 6138 or by email at sailing@whitsundaysailingclub.com.au.