Tasmanian sailor drowned in Pipe Opener Series 2010

by Peter Campbell on 18 Sep 2010 It is with deep regret that the Derwent Sailing Squadron confirms the loss of a crewman from the yacht Storm Bay during last night’s first inshore race of the 42nd annual Pipe Opener Series.

Ross Cubit, aged 51, was one of three crew members aboard Storm Bay, a 14m Chamberlain-designed catamaran from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, owned by Stephen Laird.

Mr Cubit, from West Hobart, was an experienced yachtsman and had been a long time member of the Lindisfarne Sailing Club. He was also a member of the RYCT, as was his skipper, Stephen Laird.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter. His son Matthew was sailing on another yacht in the race, She’s the Culprit, which completed the course.

The 28 nautical mile race started from Castray Esplanade, Hobart, at 7.40pm on Friday, 17 September with the Derwent Sailing Squadron shortening the course to finish at Simpsons Bay to ensure that the race was sailed entirely in enclosed waters.

The Club made this decision during Friday afternoon after a review of the forecast weather conditions for that night. The Club decided that the conditions forecast were within the capabilities of the competing yachts and the mandatory safety rules of the race.

Of the 45 yachts entered, 38 started in the race. After the incident, every yacht was contacted by race officials to ensure their safety. Several boats subsequently joined in the search for the man overboard.

The DSS understands that Mr Cubit fell overboard from Storm Bay shortly after 10pm when the owner/skipper Stephen Laird of Hobart had elected to retire from the race. At the time, the yacht was in vicinity of Dennes Point, North Bruny.

A call from the yacht’s radio alerted authorities to the situation and Tasmania Police, co-ordinated a search, including using a search and rescue helicopter. Cubit’s body was later found on the shore south of Dennes Point.

The race was a category 5 event for night sailing under the regulations of Yachting Australia. Each yacht owner signed a declaration that the boat complied with these safety requirements.

The Commodore of the DSS, Peter Geeves, said today the Club would conduct an internal inquiry into this unfortunate incident.

Commodore Geeves said the remaining races of the Pipe Opener Series, including today’s Cock of the Huon had been cancelled as mark of respect to Mr Cubit.