Dear Harbor 20 Class Association Members, Families, and Friends:

The Harbor 20 Association Class Board met yesterday, March 16, to review plans and contingencies regarding the 2020 Harbor 20 Class Championship in Annapolis given the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

After careful consideration, we regretfully concluded that it is in the best interests of our Class and participants to cancel the 2020 Championship and focus on holding the event in 2021 in conjunction with the 2021 Annapolis NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regatta.

Our primary focus for the Championship and the Class overall is the health and well-being of our members, competitors, guests, volunteers, housing hosts, and supporting yacht club employees. We considered that: CDC and Maryland both have issued guidance/direction to postpone or cancel events with more than 50 people from March 15 to May 10 (may be extended); the Governor of Maryland has closed bars and restaurants in the state for an indefinite period; Annapolis Yacht Club and Eastport Yacht Club have suspended access to their dining and event facilities consistent with that direction; and a Director shared at the meeting how the virus has impacted the Director’s family and was spread at a social event.

To be sure, the Championship is a great opportunity to see the “best of the best” on the water and burnish the spirit and comradery of the Class on shore. However, it is not the only way we achieve that objective. We have Fleet activities around the country highlighting the proud, Corinthian legacy of the Class. Our members are second to none in their love of sailing, fun, friendship, teaching, and learning. COVID-19 might be impacting our sailing and racing schedules but it will never dampen our spirit!

We will look to our Fleet leaders and members for insight and wisdom on how we adjust the remainder of our 2020 activity schedule, as well as plan for a great 2021 Championship in Annapolis next year. In the interim and most importantly: be safe, stay healthy, and remain caring and compassionate to all who need it during this challenging time (HINT: that is all of us).

For a PDF version of this notice click here.

Fair winds,
Patrick J. Shannon
Harbor 20 Class Association President
(On behalf of the Class Association Board)