News
VALE COLIN CHIDGEY
Published Tue 28 Jan 2025
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Colin Chidgey, on Thursday 23 January 2025. Col Chidgey had a profound impact on the sailing community across Australia, well known and well respected as one of the top race officers who supported clubs and class associations for many years. Col also held roles with Yachting NSW and Yachting Australia as a technical official and competition manager.
Col was a dedicated race official. Not only did he spend countless hours on the water conducting racing of the highest quality for competitors, but he also contributed significant time to race administration before and after events. Always driven by a pure passion for sailing, particularly junior and youth sailing.
The list of events and classes that Col supported is endless. Manly Juniors, O’pen Skiffs, Flying 11s, Sabots, 420’s, Optimists, ILCAs, NSW Youth Championships, Sail Sydney, Teams Racing, and various Yachting events… just to name a few.
Many of us have been inspired and mentored by Col. Every time he took to the water, it was a masterclass in race management, and Col always did it with enthusiasm and a smile. His handheld radio, voice recorder, and compass were always within close reach, ready to answer the next radio call or react to a change on the racecourse. His decisions were always based on providing fair and enjoyable racing for all competitors.
We’ll miss his infectious laugh, good humour and commanding voice of reason. He was a kind and supportive gentleman to so many. Our condolences go to Col’s family.
Thank you Col. Fair winds and a following sea. 
Niall Powers,
NSW/ACT General Manager,
Australian Sailing.
