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 (RSHYR), which tragically saw two fatalities and a man overboard (MOB) incident.
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.
Summary
The 79th Edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR) produced its usual spectacular start from Sydney Harbour on Thursday 26 December 2024 with 104 boats, including 23 double handers, making their way out of Sydney Harbour.
There was a challenging weather forecast, with a gale warning, expected to bring hard, strong wind running conditions, building seas and an abrupt, strong south-westerly change within the first 24 hours. These conditions were a major contributor to several serious incidents that included two fatalities, one person overboard and separated from the boat, three other serious injuries, three boats dismasted and 14 retirements over the first night.
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.
Read the full report: RSHYR 2024 – The Final Report
