The 2020 Annapolis To Bermuda Race — that was scheduled to be held in June — has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the Bermuda Ocean Race website, “It is with a heavy heart that the Organizing Authority for the 2020 Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race announces it has cancelled the race scheduled for June 5, 2020.
“Our decision is directly related to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and what we anticipate will happen over the next several months. By delaying our decision, we had hoped to have a clearer picture of the way forward. Unfortunately, we can’t go to Bermuda if the Bermuda border is closed and as of this date, there is little hope of that changing in time for the race. Our decision is compounded by the fact that current social distancing restrictions have made practice and the necessary maintenance for boats competing in an ocean race, difficult at best.
“Over the next several weeks, we will look to coordinating with our sponsors and the skippers and their crew to offer activities and events later this year. We also thank our hosts Eastport Yacht Club and Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, and our partners on the Pride of Baltimore II, for their efforts and look forward to re-building the race for 2022.
“The A2B, which started in 1979, covers 753 miles, making it one of the longest ocean races on the east coast of the U.S. The challenging course combines inshore and offshore racing down the Chesapeake Bay, across the Gulfstream, and onto Bermuda. It enables sailors to fulfill a lifelong ambition of a blue water passage to an island known for its soft coral beaches, in an organized event promoting friendly competition with other boats.
“A number of class divisions ensure a competitive experience for both seasoned racers and more casual cruisers. A major objective of the Race is to promote the art of navigation for more sailors. A2B provides these challenges within a framework designed for safe offshore sailing.
“The race is technically challenging, physically taxing, and alternatively boisterous and serene.
“Over 600 yachts have participated in A2B over the years. Thousands of crew members having experienced the thrill and beauty of a blue water passage as a result of this intense and challenging event.”
