Hi everyone,

Back in January this year I launched this crowd-funding campaign for the Waszp Games 2020. It was a great success and I thank every one of you for your kindness and generosity in helping me achieve that goal.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/samwhaley

Unfortunately, the world is now in a completely different position now than what it was back in January, with COVID-19 deeply affecting the lives and well-being of everyone on the planet. Given the circumstances, I thought I should update you on what is happening currently with my sailing as well as my plans for the future.

I am currently back in Swanage, quarantining at home like everybody else. All my Laser events and training before June have rightfully been cancelled and pushed back to October this year, so my calendar has changed somewhat.

In addition to this it has been announced that the Waszp Games, due to be held at the beginning of August, have been changed from a world championships to the European championships instead. The reason for this is to help the sailors from down under, who had to make the difficult decision earlier this month whether to put their Waszps in a container to be shipped to Europe. These new Waszp Europeans are planned to be at the same time and place as the Waszp Games were meant to be, so I’m confident it will still be a great event.

The situation is changing every day and whilst it is too early to tell what will happen in the world over the coming months, everyone is remaining hopeful that by August this pandemic might be drawing to a close.

My full intentions are still to upgrade my boat and compete at these new Waszp European championships but in a situation where they too are cancelled, I would like to reassure you that I will be remaining on standby, ready to perform at the next big Waszp event, whenever that may be.

However, in these tricky and uncertain times, I would also like to offer anyone who has donated to my crowdfunding the option to have their money refunded, if they do not want to support me in this new goal. Please contact me if this is the case and I will happily return your donation.

Thank you for your support and I hope to see you all out on the water soon.

Sam