Mersea Week 2020 Cancelled

At rest - Mersea Island © Chrissie Westgate

The Mersea Week committee had really hoped it would be possible to hold the successful regatta that has become the highlight of the summer sailing season for many.

Although the UK situation in response to the Covid-19 pandemic continues to slowly improve, this year's Mersea Week will not take place to reduce the risk to all those involved. We feel that we have a duty not to take unnecessary risks for the sake of our competitors and the wider community of Mersea Island.

The decision to cancel was left as late as possible and we know that many competitors will be disappointed, as will our sponsors and the committee.

We strive to run a first class regatta, attracting sailors of all levels from across the east coast but it is clear that the continued Covid-19 restrictions would not allow this.

We were mindful of the RYA's statement: "We will as a boating community take a considerate and conservative approach" and all things considered it was felt that running an event the size of Mersea Week would not reflect this. Maintaining social distancing would not be possible with an event of this scal, on and off the water, something that we cannot compromise.

We owe it to our competitors to provide a safe quality event and maintain the reputation of Mersea Week as a week of competitive racing and family social celebration.

We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support:

• Our weekly sponsors - Marinestore and Adnams
• Our sponsor of safety boats - West Mersea Marine
• Our daily sponsors - Catering Elite, West Property Management, Fenn Wright, Mersea Homes and Dolphin Sails

We are committed to bring Mersea Week back in 2021, bigger and better than ever, and hope you will join us.

In the meantime, details of other local racing opportunities can be found at www.wmyc.org.uk and dabchicks.org.