2020 Offshore World Title is cancelled

World Sailing has cancelled the 2020 Offshore World Championship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural world title was due to be held alongside the 41st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race on October 17 in Valletta, Malta.

The many uncertainties created by the 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. The L30 was the designated boat for the Offshore World Championship.

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.

In the meantime, the Royal Malta Yacht Club is continuing its preparations for the 2020 Rolex Middle Sea Race, while closely monitoring developments with COVID-19 and following the advice and guidance from the World Health Organization and the Maltese government.

At this point, the club has every intention to run the 606nm offshore race should circumstances permit. World Sailing and the Royal Malta Yacht Club are also in discussion about holding the 2021 Championship alongside the 2021 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

For further information on the Rolex Middle Sea Race, click here.

For an update from US Sailing, click here.

About the Rolex Middle Sea Race
The Rolex Middle Sea Race takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and comprises one of the most beautiful courses in the world. Starting and finishing in Malta, the 606 nautical mile route includes the deep azure waters of Sicily and the Strait of Messina, the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, and even features Stromboli’s active volcano as a course mark. Organized by the Royal Malta Yacht Club, 2019 marks the 40th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

606 nautical mile course

Source: World Sailing