Melges 24 European Sailing Series Event #1 in Lake Balaton ABANDONED Due to Coronavirus Concerns
March 12, 2020 - Balatonfüred, Hungary - Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and following recommendations from World Health Organization, the opening event of the 2020 Melges 24 European Sailing Series in Balatonfüred, Hungary (April 17-19) has been cancelled/abandoned.
Krisztina Dallos, marketing and events manager at Balatonfüred Yacht Club declared: “The Hungarian Government introduced special legal order with serious restrictions; organizers should cancel or postpone sport events, any other events that are visited by over 100 people, etc. for an uncertain period of time.
Health and safety are of primary importance. Unfortunately, most events, including the Melges24 regatta cannot be held at the given date in our point of view. The Balatonfüredi Yacht Club and the Hungarian Yachting Association are very sorry for the situation and we hope that the conditions will be favourable as soon as possible”.
Miles Quinton, Vice Chair Europe of the International Melges 24 Class Association commented: "Health of the sailors is a primary concern for the International Melges 24 Class Association, that will do everything in her possibilities to run races in safe conditions.
IM24CA does not intend to cancel any events of the European Sailing Series but that the actions of national governments as and when they are made, will determine what we can do including travel between countries and holding sporting events.
We will also be guided by what the host clubs for each event think appropriate action to take it i.e. if the government or sporting body does not compel but recommends that sporting events are not held then it will be at the discretion of the club not IM24CA to hold the event."
The class will do the best possible to find new dates for the abandoned race, but we are also aware that this is very difficult in given circumstances.
Keep following the Class for all the updates on 2020 calendar through our website and social media channels.
