Sydney Festival of Boating falls victim to COVID-19 surge in Australia

A major boat show has been cancelled in Australia following an increase in COVID-19 cases across a number of states.

Following the late decision last week by the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) to call of its trade show, which was due to start this week, the Sydney Festival of Boating – an event popular with fishermen – has suffered the same fate. A statement by the country’s Boating Industry Association (BIA) said it made the decision to support efforts by the Government to control the current outbreak of the disease in Sydney.

BIA President Darren Vaux said the move was made more difficult because exhibitor space at the festival was sold-out. “The association believed the responsible action was to weigh up the facts, liaise with stakeholders, such as our members, the Government and the venue partner and make a decision. Cancelling the event supports Government efforts to get the current outbreak of COVID-19 and its highly-contagious Delta variant under control. It also recognises the likely challenges that our local and interstate members and exhibitors will encounter over the coming weeks.

“Our priority was to deliver a celebration of the boating lifestyle and to do so in a COVID-safe way for our members, suppliers, exhibitors and public. It was a difficult decision to cancel the event, especially as there was such strong industry support.”

The Sydney Festival of Boating was due to take place from July 29th to August 1st.

Picture: fishingworld.com.au