The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has published the full independent review report into the three incidents in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which tragically saw two fatalities and a man overboard (MOB) incident. The CYCA Board has considered the findings in full and supports all recommendations made by the Review Committee.
The Club extends its sincere thanks to the Review Committee for their comprehensive and thoughtful work and in particular acknowledges Chair Chris Oxenbould AO RAN Ret’d for his leadership and commitment to improving safety outcomes for the sport.
The CYCA has always prided itself on being a leader in offshore racing safety – committed to continuous improvement, transparency and knowledge-sharing across the sailing community. The Club will implement the review committee’s recommendations, as outlined below:
Key Changes the CYCA will make:
- Require 50% of Crew, Including the Person in Charge, to complete the qualifying race or passage on the boat entered, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- Mandate AIS MOB Devices for Category 1 and 2 Races – a requirement already implemented by the CYCA following the 2024 race.
- Record and Share a Heavy Weather & Downwind Sailing Seminar ahead of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race (the start of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore).
- Review and Clarify Satellite Communication Requirements, including publishing an approved list of acceptable satellite phone systems.
- Record and share a Communications Seminar to assist crews with best-practice offshore communications protocols.
- Simplify the race entry process – a new online race entry portal has been under development since December 2024.
- Provide Australian Sailing with information to support updates to the Sea Safety and Survival Course (SSSC), including lessons from the successful MOB recovery and increased awareness of boom brakes, preventers and harness release systems.
The CYCA notes the review committee’s comment on helmets that they should remain optional, dependent on an individual’s preference or any specific requirements on an individual boat.
These measures form part of the CYCA’s commitment to setting the highest standards in offshore race management and safety. The full report is available now on the CYCA website.
