Flinders Islet Yacht Race Incident CYCA Report released

by Jennifer Crooks on 25 Feb 2010 The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has made public today the internal inquiry report commissioned by the Club following the incident which occurred early morning 10 October 2009 in the vicinity of Flinders Islet off the coast of Port Kembla, resulting in the deaths of Andrew Short and Sally Gordon.

Following the establishment of the Terms of Reference, the committee tasked with the internal inquiry presented their final report to the CYCA board which has now approved the recommendations made.

In a statement made to members of the CYCA, Commodore Matt Allen highlighted a number of recommendations made by the Flinders Islet Inquiry Committee have already been implemented following the release of an interim report prior to the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

He also emphasised to members the official investigation being conducted by the NSW Police Force for the NSW State Coroner which was yet to be finalised, although it is understood the investigation is nearing its completion.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has shared its internal inquiry report with a number of interested parties, including the families of Andrew Short and Sally Gordon, NSW Police conducting the official investigation, NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, Yachting Australia, Yachting NSW and yacht clubs around the country that share similar ocean yacht racing objectives.

The report* can be found at the CYCA website via the following link http://www.cyca.com.au/editorial.asp?key=4683