THE F18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 WILL BE MOVED TO 2021
The Organization Authority, represented by Mr. Costanzo Villa, Sport Director of the Yacht Club Gaeta and board member of the Zone IV of the Italian Sailing Federation, in accordance with Mr. Olivier Bovyn, F18 International Class President, and Mr. Giovanni Fantasia, F18 Italian Class President, considering the global pandemia Covid-19, has decided to move the F18 World Championship, planned for 3-10 July 2020, to the next year, 2-9 July 2021 in Formia/Gulf of Gaeta.
The decision has been taken in agreement with the local Administration Authority “Città di Formia” and, in particular, with the local Sport Authority represented by Mrs. Alessandra Lardo, who deeply share the first and foremost priority to preserve the health and safety of all sailors, their families and friends joining the event, and the citizens of Formia. Indeed, our common goal is to ensure all participants an event which is a unique occasion of harmony, sport and social connection with the entire community while preserving each and everyone’s health and safety.
We have considered different options, including the shift to September which would have been at risk anyway and would have, most probably, been expensive and complicated in relation to the flights for our fellow friends coming from other continents. The final decision to move the event to 2021 has been made possible thanks to the support and the highly sportive spirit of our Australian friends who had the 2021 F18 Worlds already assigned to the Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia and accepted to move them to March 2022. (See messages below from Darren Flanagan, Australian F18 Chair, and Dave Randall Commodore of The Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia).
“Dear Olivier,
The Australian F18 association is happy to help Italy out by deferring our world titles until March 2022. There is obviously no hope for holding a 2020 Worlds mainly because of the concern with public safety, at this stage there is no way to guarantee that no competitor or volunteer will not become infected with the coronavirus. The international flights have closed down and when they resume spaces will be limited and the prices will be very much higher than they would have otherwise been.
We wish our Italian friends all the best and good luck with the 2021 championships.
Best regards,
Darren.“
“Olivier,
I have been aware and have been watching the covid-19 impact on Italy, Europe and the world over the past weeks. The situation I know has influenced many decisions regarding the 2020 event in Italy. We are extremely distressed with the consequences of this terrible virus and offer our sincere condolences to those who have been caught up in this tragedy. To our Italian, worldwide friends and co-sailors stay safe.
The Cruising Yacht Club has no hesitation in accepting the option of postponing the F18 Italian Worlds to 2021 with the event then to be held at TCYC, Rockingham, Western Australia in March 2022. Once your confirmation is received we will advise our sponsors and volunteers of the changes.
I hope this decision offers some relief to the F18 organisers and for them to concentrate on other possibly more important issues at this time.
Regards and Stay Safe.
Dave Randall Commodore The Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia.
We all feel the big heart that the sailing community shows in these difficult moments, thank you.
We want also to thank all the sailors who registered to the event so far (68 crews from 19 Nations), also during the period of high uncertainty: a great sign of trust and support for all of us. For the ones who wish to do so, the registration will remain valid for 2021, otherwise they will be refunded as previously announced. The F18 2021 World Championship will be a great event and we will put all our effort and energy to make it the unique event that the “F18 Magic Formula” deserves.
Looking forward to seeing you in Formia/Gulf of Gaeta!
Stay home, stay safe.
Costanzo Villa
OA Director