Australian sailing has lost one of its most outstanding contributors with the unfortunate passing of Syd Fischer AM OBE.

“Syd Fischer was an icon and a legend of Australian ocean racing. His contribution to sailing over so many decades was inestimable, largely because of the number of people he recruited, trained, supported, and inspired along his journey,” said Australian Sailing President, Alistair Murray AM.

Syd Fischer 2012 Rolex Sydney Hobart - Daniel Forster

“With countless ocean racing and America’s Cup campaigns he turned many people onto sailing, and a large number of them went on to become household names in sailing themselves. His contribution was akin to being a one-man sailing university.

“In his sailing he was always seen to be tough, relentless, competitive but fair. To all sailors from the ‘70s and ‘80s particularly, the sail number KA70 and the string of Ragamuffins were synonymous with Australian sailing and our tremendous successes in events such as the Admirals Cup,” said Murray.

Syd Fischer Sailing on Ragamuffin

Born on March 4, 1927, Fischer was arguably Australia’s most successful offshore sailor, having competed in majority of the world’s most prestigious events. He skippered numerous yachts, notably several named Ragamuffin, competed in six Admiral's Cup teams and challenged in the America’s Cup on five occasions.

Fischer also tasted victory in two of the world’s major ocean racing events, the Fastnet race and the Sydney to Hobart race, the latter of which he competed in 47 times, winning line honours in 1988 and 1990 and claiming the overall handicap title in 1992. He last contested the race at the age of 88, in 2015.

Syd Fischer on Ragamuffin

A legend of the seas on waters the world over, the Sydney yachtsman represented Australia internationally more times than any other sailor. His achievements in yachting earned him the prestigious Order of the British Empire medal and saw him inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame in its second year. Syd was also inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 2017, was named Australia’s Yachtsman of the Year on two occasions and was awarded the Australian Ocean Racer of the Year 1993, 1996, 2002.

Syd Fischer at his Ragamuffin 100 christening - Andrea Francolini

In addition to his own achievements, Fischer was also noted for launching the America’s Cup careers of some of today’s most famous Australian yachtsmen, in particular Jimmy Spithill, lain Murray and Hugh Treharne, who was tactician aboard the 1983 Cup winner, Australia II.

Syd will be remembered as an outstanding sailor, a fierce and honest competitor, and a brilliant mentor.

“All of us at Australian Sailing salute Syd Fischer and extend our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends,” finished Murray.