A man has died following a collision between two yachts in Sydney Harbour. Emergency services responded to New Beach Road in Darling Point around 6:30 pm on Friday after receiving reports of the incident, NSW Police confirmed in a statement. Upon arrival, officers found a man, believed to be in his 50s, with a severe chest injury. Despite efforts, he died at the scene. Formal identification of the man was still pending as of Friday evening.
The collision occurred shortly before the start of the Cabbage Tree Island race, the final offshore event for competitors preparing for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day. Notably, super-maxi yacht Maritimo 100 and last year’s Sydney to Hobart overall winner, Alive, withdrew from the race before it began.
NSW Police have not confirmed whether the yachts involved in the crash were race participants or part of the spectator fleet. Both skippers underwent mandatory testing, and the vessels have been seized for mechanical examination.
Officers from the Eastern Suburbs and Marine Area Commands attended the scene, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. Maritime safety protocols and race preparations are expected to come under scrutiny, given the timing of the crash just before a major sailing event.
The Cabbage Tree Island race, which runs from Sydney Harbour to Port Stephens and back, serves as a key lead-up to the prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race. While race organizers have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, they are also cooperating with authorities to establish whether race-related activities or other factors played a role in the accident.
Meanwhile, the yachting community has been left shaken, with the incident raising concerns about safety during high-profile sailing events in the busy Sydney Harbour. Maritime authorities have urged both participants and spectators to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to safety guidelines to prevent further incidents.
Further updates are expected once police conclude their investigation and the coroner’s report is finalized.
