2020 Laser North Americans cancelled

The 2020 Laser North American Championships has been cancelled due to ongoing safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was planned for September 2–6 in San Francisco, CA.

“We reviewed a variety of scenarios for how to safely and fairly run this regatta in September and determined that prudence should win the day,” said St. Francis Yacht Club Executive Race Committee Chair Gerard Sheridan.

“Even though the Laser is, by design, a boat for solo sailors and we could have created an event with checks in place to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 infection, the border restrictions, the risks inherent to travel, the potential quarantine requirements and other health considerations would have been unfair to competitors who are not local,” Sheridan added. “It wouldn’t be the North Americans if two-thirds of the countries couldn’t attend.”

St. Francis Yacht Club is in the City and County of San Francisco and must operate according to local restrictions on events and gatherings, which would have made hosting fans and families difficult.

With sailors invited from the United States, Canada and Mexico, the International Laser Class Association North Americans serve as the continental championships for the Laser Standard, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 classes. The plan for the 2021 Laser North American Championships is for it to be held July 14-18 at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA.

“This is the pinnacle event in North America each year for Laser sailors and we didn’t want to offer a less than stellar experience,” said Regatta Chair Tracy Usher. “This delay allows us to prepare for a time when the uncertainties of the pandemic have passed and we can safely enjoy a fair fight on the water that draws top-notch competitors from all corners of North America.”