The largest one design keelboat fleet in Canada

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A message from the Canadian Shark Class Association President:

Dear CSCA Members:

I hope that this communication continues to find you, your families, and crews safe and healthy.

Today, I met with the CSCA Executive Directors to discuss the current COVID-19 recovery environment in the Province of Ontario where the remaining four counter regattas are scheduled to take place. Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario announced that some regions of the province would begin Phase 3 reopening efforts as of this Friday; however, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Windsor, and Niagara areas will remain in Phase 2. Regardless, Phase 3 regulations require a 2m distancing between members of the public who are not of the same household (not conducive to Shark racing), and public gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less.

Given these restrictions, plus considering the age bracket of many of our members, we feel it is not possible to offer a competitive race experience to the membership and maintain a safe and healthy environment in which to conduct our counter regattas. A motion was passed unanimously by a quorum of the CSCA Executive this evening to cancel the remainder of the 2020 CSCA counter regatta season effective immediately.

I know this is an extreme disappointment for all of us as we treasure the competitive and collegial nature of our Fleet gatherings. But we as your Executive also have a duty to ensure you remain safe and ready to race again come May 2021 at the RCYC Trillium Regatta.

To all of the race organizers and race committee who continue to deliver yeoman service to all of us racers, I offer you my sincerest thanks for the work that you put into delivering first-class racing experience. To those clubs that had volunteered to host a Shark Regatta in 2020, we hope that we can see you next year by supplanting the 2020 season for 2021; our Vice-President, Racing Jeremy Crowder will be in contact over the coming months to discuss a similar schedule for next year.

As you are able, please ensure you get out on the water to salvage what you can of the remaining sailing season at your home clubs, and as always, stay safe and healthy. Let’s all be part of the solution!

Fair winds and warm wishes,

Sean McKee

President, CSCA