Australian Sailing has published the findings of the Sydney Harbour Friday Twilight Inquiry, following a tragic incident that occurred during twilight racing on Friday 6 December 2024. The collision between two yachts resulted in the death of a crew member and prompted a comprehensive independent review.

The report outlines a range of recommendations aimed at improving the safety and coordination of twilight racing on Sydney Harbour. These include measures around interclub communication and race management, as well as equipment standards such as the use of VHF radios for Category 7 races.

The full report is now available on the Australian Sailing website.

Australian Sailing extends its gratitude to Janey Treleaven and Warwick Ellis for the way they contributed to the report through what has been a difficult time. Those thanks are extended to the many other skippers, crew and club officials who made submissions or contributed to the inquiry. Special recognition goes to the Inquiry Panel which included Diane Vukelic, Michael Bellingham, Phil Tanner and Peter Hammond, and was chaired by Nicola Wakefield Evans AM.

“The way the Sydney sailing community rallied to support this report was commendable,” said Australian Sailing President Shevaun Bruland. “Sailors and clubs across the harbour worked hand-in-hand with the Inquiry Panel in a powerful show of cooperation and shared commitment to improving our sport.

“Even before the report was released, many clubs had already taken proactive steps to improve how races are managed on our busy waterways. It’s a strong reminder of the community’s dedication to safety and progress, combined with a widespread desire to see twilight sailing continue to be enjoyed by many people on our beautiful waterways.”

Recommendations in the report address matters concerning:

• Communication and co-ordination between Sailing Clubs
• Emergency responses
• Sailing Rules
• Australia Sailing review of sailing infrastructure
• Category 7

Australian Sailing will consider the recommendations that concern matters within the scope of its responsibilities.