The 52 Super Series Cancels the Second Event in Cape Town

by Richard Crockett

It comes as no surprise that the second 52 Super Series event in Cape Town has been cancelled as sporting events in general, and sailing events too, are being cancelled around the world on a daily basis now. It’s only the eternal optimist who may have hoped that the Rolex TP52 World Championships would take place on our waters.

Local South African sailors have, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, been denied the opportunity of seeing these magnificent vessels, and their world-class crew, duelling in Cape waters.

So, if you missed the first event, you have missed something very special as everything about the event – the boats, the crew, the equipment, the absolute perfection demanded in every aspect, the infrastructure, and the slick manner in which it all happened, shed a new light for locals on how world-class campaigns are put together.

For me personally I was looking forward to being on the water again and taking more pics of the close, fast action, and the mastery of the crew – and hopefully tons of action in the Cape South-Easter. Luckily I have shots from the first event.

Following final consultation between the 52 SUPER SERIES’ Board of Directors, in light of the deteriorating COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was taken on Friday afternoon and takes account of local health authorities’ advice in South Africa, WHO guidelines and those in force in the many countries where 52 SUPER SERIES sailors, staff and their families reside or travel through.

“Our absolute priority right now is safeguarding the continued good health of the extended 52 SUPER SERIES family around the world and that of our hosts and the wider community in South Africa,” Agustin Zuluéta CEO of the 52 SUPER SERIES commented. “We have been constantly reviewing the situation and this is the correct course of action. We will continue to monitor fast evolving developments.”

My personal thanks are extended to the Plattner family for bringing these two world class events to our shores, plus everyone else who was involved too.

Hopefully the owners and board of this racing circuit have unfinished business here in Cape Town and will return again next year? Let’s hope so.