The Summer Sailstice Will Go On June 20
The only mystery surrounding the 20th annual Summer Sailstice celebration is how people will celebrate sailing on the weekend of June 20, 2020. The mission of Summer Sailstice, uniting sailors worldwide to celebration of sailing, appears in sharp conflict with the social distancing we’re all practicing.
However, increased social distancing is actually bringing sailors closer together as we recognize we’re all in the same boat. What to do this year? Nobody knows what the circumstances will be like on June 20, but we are looking forward to connecting sailors and sailing friends at the start of summer.
The Summer Sailstice event website is filling up with celebrations across the planet, and the event wants to see everyone post their sailing intentions. And, as sailors have always done, adjust the sails and plans as the situation evolves. This means rather than a raftup, it might be a solo sail, a family sail, or a parade of sail.
It may mean a regatta without the usual post-race party. Or maybe we’ll all be on the world’s largest sailor Zoom call or watching sailing videos at home. The goal is to be sailing, but Summer Sailstice is designed to celebrate however the world allows on June 20.
This era also presents a unique opportunity for the world to gain a pseudo sailing experience. With fossil fueled vehicles temporarily shut down, the air has cleared, silence has returned, birds, animals, and sea life are making their presence known, and the stars are more brilliant at night. It’s as if the whole world has a moment to experience the beauty of sailing.
Summer Sailstice encourages all sailors to post their June 20 sailing plans at www.summersailstice.com. Between now and then sailors can reach out their club, class, and sailing community to share a sailing celebration with each other and the world. The goal is for all to be celebrating on the water under sail. Either way everyone will find a way to celebrate sailing.
EVENT DETAILS:
Who: Sailors and non-sailors worldwide
When: June 20, 2020 Where: Global (wherever there’s wind, water and sails)
How: Register at summersailstice.com, add your sailing plans and invite others to join your event. All registered participants are automatically entered into the draw for prizes.
Summer Sailstice actively supports ocean conservation by encouraging support for our environmental partner Sailors for the Sea.
Pandemic Warning: The current global pandemic reminds us all that even the best-laid plans are subject to change. Everyone’s first priority is the health of all first responders, family, neighbors and planet. Everyone is encouraged to sign up, plan to participate, but adjust plans according the best health guidelines and requests from officials at the time. Sail Safe. Sail Often.
