written by Michael Dietzel on December 21 of 2020 and read by 629
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Dear Soling Sailors,
in hindsight the year 2020 has been a big challenge for all of us. The pandemic has forced us to cut back social contacts which continues to have wide spanning consequences. Not only for leisure, where sailing and travel plans had to be postponed, but also for the economy.
International sailing events were not possible, only a few local regattas were held this year. We were fortunate to have the Europe Cup this August at Lake Atter in Austria, our only big event this year. This was made possible by Ludwig Beurle's sense of responsibility and courage! Unfortunately our major events, the European Championship in Warnemünde and the World Championship in Milwaukee, could not take place.
Of course I was also not able to travel as much to regattas as I would have liked, so I could only participate at a few local events.
This was to the joy of my darling wife, with whom I got to spend more hours out on the waters close to Munich.
The past year has brought a higher workload for me which will continue to increase. I am happy and grateful that I already have the support of Han van Veen and Nelson Ilha with the ISA associated work. Hence, I plan to step back as the ISA President at the coming World Championship and make way for a new Presidency.
We look to the future with confidence. I hope we will be able to have international events in 2021 where we can race and socialize together again.
We have made plans for some events already and will monitor the situation to see if changes are necessary.
Our first international event in 2021 is planned to be the European Championship late June in Spain.
If the situation allows it, I also hope to meet many American and Canadian friends in September of next year in Milwaukee, US for the World Championships, following the South American Championship in Brazil early October, and later in Annapolis, US for the North American.
Hope springs eternal and I am confident we will see one another again in the (hopefully near) future.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and a Happy Healthy New Year!
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo
Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr
Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo
Áldott Karacsonyt es Boldog Újevet
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Feliz Natal e feliz ano novo
ハッピーホリデー
С Рождеством и Новым Годом
God Jul og Godt Nyttår
Joyeux Noel and Bonne Anneé
Happy Holidays
See you soon,
Michael
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