Australia is quite a covid free country, which is something that you cannot put a price on in the current times…
But this medal has a reverse. You may have heard Australian Government recently announced for their borders to be maintained closed until mid 2022 at the soonest.
Hence AUS F18 Chair Darren Flanagan informed us that under the strict restrictions put in place, international competitors will not be allowed to visit Australia without permission and a two week quarantine on arrival…
Then, we all feel that almost no competitors would not even attempt to attend the regatta and, following, Australian Formula 18 Association has been forced to cancel the 2022 World championships scheduled in Rockingham at Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia, thanks to them for taking this prompt, responsible, and courageous decision.
One can imagine how disappointing it is for our Rockingham friends to renounce organizing our pinnacle event, and same for Australian sailors not to be given the opportunity to compete for World Title in their home waters.
After this second cancellation, it is likely it may be some years until AUS F18 are ready to bid for another world championships but, whatever, it is clear the Class will give absolute priority to Australian F18 Association as soon they will be ready to put a new bid forward, what we all sincerely hope to happen asap.
In the meantime, IF18CA ExCo will work on a possible alternate 2022 event.
Assuring all those involved in preparing top Worlds in WA of our deepest recognition, and looking forward better times,
Sincerely,
Olivier Bovyn, on behalf of IF18CA Executive Board