The International Musto Skiff Class Committee has today confirmed that the ACO 11th Musto Skiff World Championships 2021 will be hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva at Lake Garda, Italy, from 25th September to 2nd October 2021.
The Worlds regatta provides a unique opportunity for Musto Skiff sailors from several countries to come together for top class racing to determine the World Championship title. The annual regatta typically sees between 70 and 100 skiffs taking part, and often attracts professional and Olympic level sailors.
The Committee had initially announced the provisional dates as 18 – 26 June for their 2021 Worlds. However, due to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was made this week to defer the championships to a later date. It is hoped that a September date will enable a greater number of sailors to attend and reduce the risk of potential cancellation.
Commenting on the changed dates, Committee member, Dan Vincent, said: “Due to the COVID-19 situation and increased restrictions on international travel, the International Musto Skiff Class Committee, in consultation with Fraglia Vela Riva, made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 Worlds to September. We believe that hosting our Worlds later this year will provide a better chance of the event going ahead. There is hope on the horizon in the form of global vaccination programmes; and Garda in September will still deliver great sailing conditions and enable us to put on a regatta that befits both the class and the venue.”
With the previous 2020 Worlds cancelled last August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Musto Skiff class is now more eager than ever to come together for this major regatta, which typically includes a pre-worlds event, followed by five days of championship racing.
The committee acknowledges that the decision to move the regatta dates may cause inconvenience for those who have already booked holiday, transport or accommodation based on the provisional June dates. However, the need to be responsible and responsive to the uncertain situation that COVID-19 presents meant the committee had to make the decision to either postpone or cancel the regatta altogether. Postponement was the preferred option.
Commenting on the forthcoming World Championship 2021 event, Musto Skiff GBR Chairman, Ben Schooling, said: “Whilst it’s impossible for us to guarantee that the regatta will go ahead – even in September – we are planning for success. We are really looking forward to having our Worlds at Lake Garda and Fraglia Vela Riva is an excellent club with a very experienced race team. We are working closely with them to make this happen and we can’t wait to get on the water at such a great venue with some of the best wind conditions for skiff racing!”
The committee intends to have regular review points to track entry numbers and keep the class fully informed on event plans. More details, including the NOR, entry fees, and how to register for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Whilst the 25th September – 2nd October 2021 dates are now confirmed, any competitors planning to arrange travel and accommodation are strongly encouraged to check their refund policy and travel insurance.
If you have any questions relating to this event you can contact the 2021 Worlds event organising team at worlds@mustoskiff.com
Photo credit: ACO 6th Musto Skiff World Championships 2015 at Fraglia Vela Riva, Lake Garda by © Tim Olin
