Tokyo 2020: Another one bites the dust

The 2021 Semaine Olympique Française (SOF, French Olympic Week) has been cancelled due to COVID-19. The 53rd edition, which is a prominent event on the European schedule, was to be held April 3-30 in Hyères, France.

The cancellation came when health authorities would not grant permission due to the virus situation in the South of France. This follows the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía in Spain, considered the opening event of the European Olympic season, moving from March to October due to the virus.

SOF was to be the last big sailing meet before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with Hyères to bring together the 10 classes which are to compete at the Games on July 23 to August 8, 2021.

Additionally, the event was to host the four new disciplines that will be competing on the waters of Marseille at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In addition, the offshore race, which the IOC will decide on May 31whether to include in the Olympics, was also to be contested.

This edition of the SOF had promised to be an unprecedented level of competition, especially as it was to double as the 2021 Finn European Championship and RS:X World Championship. After being also cancelled in 2020, the Olympic campaigners resume their scramble on how best to resume their training.

Tokyo Olympic Sailing Program
Men’s One Person Dinghy – Laser
Women’s One Person Dinghy – Laser Radial
Men’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Women’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s One Person Dinghy Heavy – Finn
Men’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Women’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Original dates: July 24 to August 9, 2020
Revised dates: July 23 to August 8, 2021