Postponement due to civil unrest

It is prudent to postpone the start of an offshore race when extreme conditions are forecasted, but to announce a delay due to the danger of the destination is a new twist. However, that is what the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has done as the race organizer of the Ponant Sydney Noumea Yacht Race.

The 2024 race, which was scheduled to start on May 25 on Sydney Harbour, has a northeast course of 1,064 nautical mile to Noumea, New Caledonia. But with the French island having been placed in a State of Emergency following several days of civil unrest and riots over electoral reform, the advice of the Australian Government was to reconsider travel to Noumea.

Therefore, the Club best known for its Sydney Hobart Race, made the decision to postpone for the 12-boat fleet.

“The safety of everyone involved is, as always, our primary consideration,” said CYCA Commodore Arthur Lane. “Given the current travel restrictions and curfews in place in Noumea, this postponement is an inevitable, albeit unfortunate outcome. Our very best wishes and prayers go out to the people of Noumea during this challenging time.”

The Ponant Sydney Noumea Yacht Race had been introduced in 2018 as a biennial event, primarily as a feeder race for New Caledonia’s Groupama. Subsequent editions had been cancelled due to border restrictions during the COVID pandemic.