'Extraordinary' Australian sailing legend dies

Australian sailing royalty Syd Fischer has died astatine the property of 95, conscionable a fewer days abbreviated of his 96th birthday.

Fischer is regarded arsenic the country's finest ever offshore sailor, having competed successful 42 Sydney to Hobart races - the past successful 2015 astatine the property of 88.

His celebrated boats, Ragamuffin, took Sydney to Hobart enactment honours doubly - successful 1988 and 1990 - and won the wide handicap rubric successful 1992.

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Fischer - from Sydney - had occurrence astir the world, competing successful 8 Admiral's Cups and contesting the America's Cup 5 times - a grounds helium shares with Sir Thomas Litpon.

Syd Fischer (far right) astatine the motorboat of his ace maxi, Ragamuffin 100, for the 2014 Sydney Hobart. (Photograph by Dallas Kilponen) (SMH Sport)

Syd Fischer and his vessel Ragamugffin successful 1992. (Photo by Craig Golding/Fairfax Media). (Craig Golding/Fairfax Media)

He besides played first-grade rugby league for Manly successful 1949 and 1952.

Fischer is simply a subordinate of the NSW Sports Hall of Fame, America's Cup Hall of Fame, and Australian Sailing's Hall of Fame.

"His achievements and contributions implicit the decades are extraordinary," the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia said connected Sunday.

"He has near a lasting bequest which includes mentoring hundreds of sailors, including Jimmy Spithill, lain Murray and Hugh Treharne.

"Our deepest condolences to Syd's household and friends."

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