Australian top offshore racing sailor Syd Fischer dies at 95yrs
by Sail-World.com 25 Feb 22:05 GMT
2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race: Ragamuffin 100, Sail No: SYD100, Bow No: 100, Owner: Syd Fischer, Skipper: Syd Fischer, Design: Elliott 100, LOA (m): 30.48, State: VIC off Cape Raoul © Carlo Borlenghi / ROLEX
One of Australia's great sailors, Syd Fischer AM OBE, has died at the age of 95yrs.
In its tribute on social media the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia said:
"His achievements and contributions over the decades are extraordinary. He has left a lasting legacy which includes mentoring hundreds of sailors, including Jimmy Spithill, lain Murray and Hugh Treharne.
"Syd has widely been called Australia's greatest offshore sailor and skippered many successful yachts over the years, notably his many Ragamuffins.
"He competed in 42 Sydney Hobart Races including Line Honours wins in 1988 and 1990 as well as overall victory in 1992.
"He competed in eight Admiral's Cups, skippering the team on seven occasions. He won nine Blue Water Championships, the 1971 Fastnet Race, 1971 World Championship One Ton Cup in New Zealand & the 1980 Round State Race in Hawaii. He shares a record five America's Cup challenges with Sir Thomas Lipton.
"Australia’s Yachtsman of the Year on two occasions (1971/72; 1992/93), Australian Ocean Racer of the Year (1993, 1996 & 2002). Fischer was inducted to the NSW Sports Hall of Fame, America’s Cup Hall of Fame and Australian Sailing's Hall of Fame (2018).
"Our deepest condolences to Syd's family & friends."
Syd Fischer’s Sydney Hobart highlights:
Year – Boat - Design – Finish
1962 - Malohi (Lion 35) - fifth overall from 42 starters – his first Hobart
1968 - Ragamuffin 48ft - third overall from 64
1970 - Ragamuffin - second overall from 61
1976 - Ragamuffin German Frers 37’ 5” - third overall from 85
1977 - Ragamuffin - second overall - 131, 72 finished
1985 - Ragamuffin - third line/111th overall from 180
1987 - Gazebo (this is sixth Rags renamed) - second line/3rd overall from 154
1988 - Ragamuffin - Line honours – from 119
1989 - Ragamuffin - second line/61st overall from 170
1990 - Ragamuffin - Line honours – from 105
1992 - Ragamuffin (7th) Farr 50 - - - - Won overall – from 110
1997 - Ragamuffin - second overall from 114
1998 - Ragamuffin - third overall from 115, 44 finished
2001 - Ragamuffin - third overall from 75
2007 - Ragamuffin (10th) Bruce Farr TP52 - second overall from 82
2011 - Ragamuffin - third overall from 88
2012 - Ragamuffin-Loyal (11th) Elliott 100ft - second on line – sixth overall from 76
2013 - Ragamuffin 100 Elliott 100ft - third on line - 52nd overall from 76
2014 - Ragamuffin 100 - (12th) Andy Dovell 100ft - third on line – 81st overall from 117
2015 - Ragamuffin 100 - second on line
To be updated.