BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - The organizers of the Barcelona World Race say they are cancelling the 2019 edition of the two-man, around-the-globe sailing race due to the “political instability” in Spain.
The Barcelona Ocean Sailing Foundation says in a statement released in English on Thursday, “In view of the political and institutional difficulties faced in Spain (. the) Board of Trustees has decided to suspend the upcoming edition of the Barcelona World Race.”
Organizers say that the failure of Spain’s minority government to approve a budget has made it impossible to ensure “a reliable sponsorship process” while “the lack of political stability (.) has made marketing (the event) difficult.”
Besides having a central government unable to pass laws, Spain has been plunged into its worst institutional crisis in decades by the separatist movement in Catalonia, the region surrounding Barcelona.
The fourth edition of the race was supposed to start in January.
Organizers say they are now working toward holding the race in 2022-23.
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