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The Ragamuffin Man: Sydney to Hobart legend Syd Fischer dies, aged 95

 The Ragamuffin Man: Sydney to Hobart legend Syd Fischer dies, aged 95


Sailing royalty Syd Fischer, known as the “Ragamuffin Man” who competed in his last Sydney to Hobart at age 88, has died. He was 95.

The businessman and marine sports legend, who played a handful of first-grade rugby league games for Manly between 1949-52, was known as Australia’s most successful offshore sailor despite not taking up the sport until he was 33.

But his sailing legacy has long been intertwined with the Sydney to Hobart, competing in more than 40 Boxing Day dashes out of Sydney Heads and skippering his first boat in 1962.

It was the Ragamuffin racers which became synonymous with the Fischer name as he produced eight different boats over the years to take on Bass Strait, winning Sydney to Hobart line honours twice in 1988 and 1990 and the overall handicap prize in 1992.

He was twice named Australian Yachtsman of the Year and four times Offshore Racer of the Year, awarded an OBE in 1971 and mentored some of the country’s best sailors later in his life, while still maintaining his own fitness.

He was attending regular gym sessions into his 90s and sailed his last Sydney to Hobart in 2015.

“His achievements and contributions over the decades are extraordinary,” the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia said in a statement.

“He has left a lasting legacy which includes mentoring hundreds of sailors, including Jimmy Spithill, lain Murray and Hugh Treharne.

“Syd has widely been called Australia’s greatest offshore sailor and skippered many successful yachts over the years, notably his many Ragamuffins.

“Fischer was inducted to the NSW Sports Hall of Fame, America’s Cup Hall of Fame and Australian Sailing’s Hall of Fame [2018].

“Our deepest condolences to Syd’s family and friends.”

Fischer is survived by his daughters Penny, Annabel and Dominique and son Clayton.

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