Sydney to Hobart in huge doubt as Tasmania imposes NSW restrictions
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race looks certain to be called off or postponed after the Tasmanian government imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on all travellers from greater Sydney.
Organisers are yet to make an official decision amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak that has put about 150 sailors into lockdown on the northern beaches.
A decision has yet to be made on whether the Sydney to Hobart yacht race will go ahead.Credit:Steven Saphore
But their hand may be forced by the restrictions announced by Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein on Saturday afternoon, who acknowledged they would make it "very difficult for that race to continue", although he said it was ultimately up to those in charge to make a call.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia had been due to make a call at 9am on Saturday on the famous race, which has never been called off since it was first held 75 years ago.
But the CYCA has been tight-lipped, and released a statement at that time which said only that it was continuing to monitor all news and developments related to the coronavirus cluster in Sydney's north.
"The CYCA encourages all competitors, members, guests, volunteers and staff who reside in the areas or may have visited the locations listed to follow the recommendations outlined by NSW Health and stay up to date with the NSW government latest COVID-19 news and updates," the statement said.
There are 38 cases associated with the outbreak. The entire population of the northern beaches council area has been restricted to their homes from 5pm on Saturday until midnight on Wednesday unless people need to leave for "essential reasons".
With so many boats affected by the loss of crew members who live in the region, it is difficult to see the race going ahead, but no decisions have yet been made.
CYCA officials directed enquiries from the Sydney Morning Herald to its website, which had not been updated since that 9am statement.
On Friday, the CYCA flagged possible changes to the shoreside aspect of the race in Sydney and the arrival of boats in Hobart. Tasmania has declared the northern beaches a hotspot, meaning anyone entering the state who has been there has to undergo 14 days in hotel quarantine. No exemptions will be granted to those involved with the race.
The situation is affecting other sports in NSW. The series between the Sydney Blue Sox and the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League was called off with two games left to play on Saturday, giving Aces players a chance to return to Victoria in case border restrictions are imposed.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Kings announced their pre-season fixture on Sunday against National Basketball League rivals the Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena will be played behind closed doors.
Vince is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.