On 14th June the OMRA Race Committee and Race Managers met (virtually) to discuss the remainder of the 2020 calendar races. 29-30th Aug - Cowes Currently this race is still scheduled to go ahead, with the full support of the Harbour Master, Council and Red Funnel. However, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions on travel and social distancing requirements this race is under ongoing review and OMRA will continue to monitor the situation to determine the viability. There is an expected update from the government on 4th July with restaurants, Bed & breakfasts and campsites are due to start reopening and possibly a softening of the social distancing requirements. The Race Committee will review the situation again on 5th July then make a final announcement by 29th July as we are required to submit Health and Safety documents one month prior to the race. However, this race is already receiving strong support with many members having already made plans to attend, so we hope it does go ahead! 21-22nd September - Southampton Boat Show This race is still TBC. Although there is currently no official word from British Marine whether the event is to go ahead or not our feeling is being a large gathering that its likely to be cancelled. OMRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when we know more. However, it has been discussed that should the event not go ahead OMRA may look to arrange another race in another location for September, such as Bristol. But due to the current restrictions we are unable to arrange or confirm anything at this time. We will update as soon as we can confirm. 10-11th October - Penzance Currently this race is confirmed. Unless Covid-19 restrictions extend further making this race unfeasible this race will go ahead as planned.
It is important to be aware that these events may proceed with various restrictions in place. Obviously we do not yet know to what level that will be by end of August. But should social distancing restrictions be in place OMRA will be required to implement the necessary procedures to accommodate them. We will of course publish the requirements prior to the races so all members are informed. It has also been agreed that OMRA will not be holding races as part of a full championship for 2020. It will not be possible at this stage to hold the required number of races. Therefore each race will be a standalone competition. However, it has all been agreed utilising the digital timing capabilities that we will possibly trial some different race formats to keep things interesting. We will update in due course about those. In the meantime stay safe and we hope to be out racing again soon....