Following a meeting held on Monday, 9th March with owners and skippers who had registered to participate in the planned 2020 Race & Rally to Bali, it was agreed to postpone the race for this year based on the information available regarding the risks and uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 virus.
Mike Giles, Event Director said, “A lot of time and effort has already gone into planning and preparing for the Bali event, so it’s very disappointing that with only two months to go, we have had to make the decision to postpone the event in 2020. Unfortunately, the risks and uncertainty of what may unfold in the coming months are too high to allow the event to proceed.
We hope to be able to lock in dates in 2021 for the International Graphite Fremantle to Bali Race & Rally as soon as soon as practicable.”
In the meantime, FSC has announced a new 700 nautical-mile race and rally to Exmouth that will start at 09:30am on Saturday 9th May. Race results will be announced at a special presentation dinner in Exmouth on Saturday 16th May.
Karen Baldwin, CEO of FSC said, “Planning for Exmouth is well under way. The Department of Transport has confirmed that the marina can accommodate the expected fleet. The Exmouth Yacht Club and the Exmouth Game Fishing Club have both offered their support for the event. We are already getting strong interest from local businesses such as the Froth Craft Brewery that would like to be involved in the event. We are expecting a fleet of up to 20 yachts including some of the fastest racing yachts in WA, with a total of 150 crew on the boats and on-shore support.”
FSC expects to release a Notice of Race and Rally for Exmouth by Friday 13th March. The entry and preparation requirements will be less onerous than for Bali reflecting the coastal nature of the event, and that it will be within Australian waters. Both the race and rally will be Category 2 +
FSC acknowledges the support and assistance from the sponsors of the International Graphite Fremantle to Bali Race & Rally and look forward to working with them in planning ahead for 2021.
