The iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been cancelled after Tasmania announced it would close its borders to New South Wales late Saturday afternoon.
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Race organisers announced the cancellation at 9pm on Saturday, just hours after Premier Peter Gutwein announced Greater Sydney would be classified a medium-risk area.
Organisers made the decision late on Saturday after the outbreak led the NSW government to lock down the Northern Beaches Council area, with about 150 sailors affected by the decision.
It is the first time in 76 years that the race will not be conducted.
The race was due to depart Sydney on Boxing Day, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak at Sydney's northern beaches, race participants would have had to quarantine in Tasmania.
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Neil Cornish AM was disappointed by the cancellation.
"We are bitterly disappointed to cancel the race this year especially considering the plans and preparations we had put in place to have a COVID-safe race," he said.
"We were so well prepared to run the race and we're only six days from the start."
CYCA said alternative races had been considered by the club but instructions from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for all of her states resident to limit their travel ultimately led the club to making the decision to cancel the race.
Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation Jane Howlett said: "The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's decision to cancel the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race for 2020 is disappointing but necessary to protect the health and safety of all Tasmanians".
"I feel for those who were looking forward to participating in the event or cheering the yachts in during the holiday period."
