Point Roberts Race Week is cancelled

Previously known as Whidbey Island Race Week (Oak Harbor, WA), the relocation of this notable regatta to Point Roberts, WA and launch of the inaugural edition of Point Roberts Race Week in 2020, to be held on July 13-17, has been cancelled. Here is the update from Event Producer Schelleen Rathkopf:

(April 18, 2020) – It is with great sadness that the decision has been made to cancel Point Roberts Race Week in 2020. The Race Week Advisory Board has been watching COVID-19 very intently since the onset. But with the most recent developments, there is no choice but to cancel.

It was just announced the border closure between USA and Canada will remain in affect for a minimum of 30 more days. Whatcom County just released a directive that all events that attract more than 10 persons will be banned through the summer and of course Point Roberts is part of Whatcom County.

Ironically, this is happening the same week that ABC News shared that Point Roberts, WA was the safest place in the USA to be right now.

This is especially heartbreaking as so much time, energy and financial resources have already gone into the preparations for the debut of the new venue in Point Roberts this summer. We have the Corsair National Championships, the 6mR North Americans, the Carr Trophy, and an entire new community engaged to host Point Roberts Race Week. To get to this point has been a year’s worth of work and cancelling the event due to COVID-19 is especially difficult.

Planning for the 2021 event will begin immediately. PRO John Abel has confirmed his involvement in 2021, as have Paul Evenden and Jared Hickman to round out the race management team. The new dates being considered are July 12-16, July 19-23, and July 26-30 and our hope is to maintain both the Corsairs Nationals and 6mR North Americans, in addition to the coveted Carr Trophy. Sponsor procurement efforts for 2021 will also begin immediately.

Event information – Facebook

Background:
After 37 years in Oak Harbor, Washington, it was announced in March 2019 that the event would change venues to Point Roberts, Washington where the event had the capacity to grow. Whidbey Island Race Week has since been rebranded as Point Roberts Race Week and will offer a 5-day big boat race experience. The Point Roberts Marina offers a full-service deep water marina that can accommodate boats up to 52’ LOA. The mission is to grow the sport of sailboat racing in the region by providing the most qualified race management team in a venue that can offer compelling buoy and distance racing possibilities.