SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, Canada — The Hydroplane Racing League (HRL), presented by Reliable Diamond Tool, announced on Thursday that its first event of the season in Cambridge, Maryland has been postponed. The race, the Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta, had been set for May 16 and 17.

The regatta is the oldest powerboat race in North America. It has been held for more than 100 years.

“Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the population, the league in conjunction with the organization made the decision to postpone the Cambridge event,” a statement from league said.

“We are working with HRL to move the event to a later date if the situation permits at that time,” local promoter Tom Thompson said.

HRL commissioner Didier-Bernard Séguin had this to say, “In the current situation it is very difficult to predict the return to a certain normality. Teams must cancel hotel rooms or airline tickets without financial penalties. It is also difficult to obtain certain parts necessary to repair the motors.

“As underlined by the league, added to this are the financial and planning challenges as well as travel restrictions. We are assessing the situation very closely and hope to be able to present the 2020 season insofar as people’s safety is not jeopardized by the virus.”

The HRL’s mission is to develop, organize and present hydroplane races in North America, bringing together the best hydroplane drivers.