Boating banned in New Zealand

A year ago it was so often asked, “Is it 2021 yet?” First we learned the meaning of pandemic, and then we lived it. Brutal is an understatement, but once toilet paper returned to the store shelves, followed by vaccines, it was possible to be optimistic.

But there’s been no unified playbook for this virus, and for New Zealand, which so bravely allowed the America’s Cup to be held earlier this year, they now face the highest number of COVID-19 cases in a single day since last year.

For a sport like sailing, which provides so much relief from the pandemic, the Kiwi nation is now in lockdown. With their spring season to begin September 1, Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie delivers the bad news:

This is not a message I am enjoying writing right now, as we contemplate life again at Alert Level 4. It is a massive shame on so many levels but we need to do the right thing and follow the rules because we’ve seen how devastating the Delta variant has been for so many countries.

The Yachting New Zealand offices are now closed and staff are all working from home. All yachting and boating clubs should also be closed and activity on the water is prohibited.

Hopefully this is only a short-term measure. I know this is not easy but we’ve succeeded before and can do it again. Look after yourselves and each other and we’ll hopefully see you on the water soon.