Nordseewoche: North Sea Week: Will virtuality be joined by reality after all?

The organisers of the North Sea Week from 29 May to 1 June are fighting to be able to host at least a small part of the classic event. Although a typical North Sea Week with feeder and return races will not be possible in times of the coronavirus pandemic, there will certainly be a virtual North Sea Week and possibly also a short programme on the water. A press release from the organisers states: "If it is clear by 15 May 2020 that Heligoland can be entered and regattas sailed, we will hold the Capitell Cup Rund Helgoland and Pantaenius Rund Skagen with a minimal team and minimal effort (no tent, no support boats, no parties, etc.)." The decision is therefore in the hands of the authorities, as even the emergency programme of the motivated organisers can only be carried out with a green light from them.

Virtual racing around the Red Rock is certainly on the cards. With great support from all partners, in particular Capitell and Pantaenius, the organisers want to offer these two races as virtual regattas, which may also get a chance on the water. Potential participants can register either on the Homepage of the North Sea Week or in the Virtual Regatta app. As a result of the online regatta, the Regatta Community North Sea Week has set its sights on an awards ceremony in November, at which the best virtual sailors will be honoured - and perhaps also some winners from the real sailing world.

Pictures from last year's North Sea classic

Bloodletting at the 52 Super Series: Italian regattas cancelled

While there are still hopes in Germany, there have been further prominent cancellations from the international sailing world. The two Italian regattas of the 52 Super Series in Scarlino (12 to 16 May) and Porto Cervo (17 to 21 June) have been cancelled. This was announced by the management of the professional series, which features three prominent German helmsmen in the form of SAP founder Hasso Plattner, daughter Tina Plattner and Harm Müller-Spreer. The Dutch Medemblik Regatta, which has been held since 1985 and is popular with Olympic sailors, was also cancelled last week.