The MSA have put in significant time and effort this year to adapt and revise the events calendar in response to changes and restrictions caused by COVID-19. It was decided that our 2020 National Championships scheduled to take place in Fenit, Co. Kerry hosted by Tralee Bay Sailing Club would be postponed to 2021. In its place we proposed to run a smaller, more manageable, one-off regatta. This was scheduled to take place over 3 days from the 21st – 23rd of August. Unfortunately Tralee Bay Sailing Club (TBSC) contacted the MSA to inform us that they were no longer in a position to host the regatta. TBSC Commodore Liam Lynch expressed sincere apologies for cancelling the event on short notice but stressed that health and safety of volunteers and participants must be the #1 priority in these uncertain times.
“TBSC will not be in a position to host the Mermaid Regatta in August. This is entirely due to the decision not to proceed to phase 4 of the government’s reopening plan. We are unable to reopen our bar and the rest of the clubhouse as we do not have the staff to meet the requirements for cleaning and sterilisation. In addition I note that there is continuing and serious concern in NPHET about spread of the virus. I cannot ask our volunteers to expose themselves to any increased risk of contracting this infection.” – Liam Lynch, Commodore TBSC.
The MSA wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and would again like to thank all members for their patience and support during these unprecedented circumstances. The health and safety of our members is key.
Yours in sailing,
Roisin Mc Cormack
MSA President