The International Cadet Class 2020 Australian Championship at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria have been shifted to a more traditional set of dates, following the cancellation of the Worlds amid the Coronavirus crisis.

The Worlds were planned to follow the Nationals in Melbourne this summer as part of one major event, with the Nationals originally scheduled to begin before Christmas.

The Nationals will now take place from 28 December 2020 through to 3 January 2021, giving families more flexibility around what is a busy time of year.

Above image credit: Nick Duell

The Notice of Race has also been amended to include minor changes to scoring, entry fees and race schedule, as well as a clause ensuring entry costs will be refunded in full if in the unlikely event the regatta needs to be cancelled.

While sailors miss out on the opportunity to race in a World Championship on home waters this summer, the club remains confident it will see an International Cadet World Championship return to Williamstown in the coming years, at a time when international travel confidence returns for overseas competitors.

"We have been in regular contact with the International Cadet Class and both parties remain committed to bringing a World Championship to the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in the near future," RYCV General Manager Michael Neumann said.

"We are very lucky in Australia to be emerging on the other side of COVID-19, however many other International Cadet countries will be feeling the affects for much longer.

"As a club we only want to bring a World Championship back when international competitors can be confident to travel, and transport their boats, to Australia without disruption – to ensure the best possible event on a fair playing field for all competitors."

The more suitable post-Christmas dates will also provide Australian families with a more manageable calendar, allowing them to enjoy an uninterrupted Christmas celebration at home before heading to Melbourne.

"The International Cadet Class is a proud family-oriented class with a rich history at our club," Neumann said.

"This date change aims to ensure families can focus on their Christmas commitments before heading away for the regatta at a more typical time.

"Even though the Worlds are not happening, we are looking forward to an exciting event – the club is raring to go."

For more information head to www.cadetworlds2020.com