Australian Sailing has now completed investigations into two safety incidents that have occurred. Both reports are made in accordance with obligations to learn from incidents and improve safety where appropriate. A copy of each report can be found on the Australian Sailing website. 

The first report is about the four boats that experienced loss of a rudder fin in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Three were due to impact with an underwater object, one was other general failure. Whilst there were no critical injuries because of the incidents, the report has made recommendations around communication to crews and Safety and Sea Survival Centres, and that crews routinely train for the use of emergency steering. 

The second report is the outcome of an investigation into the incident which occurred on 23 February 2023, the first day of the 2023 Teakle Classic Lincoln Week Regatta resulting in the death of Andrew McLeod. This report made recommendations around communications with clubs, race committees and crews. 

It is important to remember that the report into the 2023 Teakle Classic Lincoln Week Regatta incident is Australian Sailing’s own internal inquiry. The official investigation conducted by the SA Police for the SA State Coroner is ongoing. 

Australian Sailing thanks the people who provided information for each report, and the Hon John McKechnie KC, Shane Connelly APM, Stacey Jackson and Will Oxley who kindly volunteered their time on the panels which undertook these important tasks.