CYCA Commodore has written to all members of the club, asking for input into an enquiry into the Flinders Islet tragey in which club members Andrew Short and Sally Gordon lost their lives. The objective of the enquiry, which is required by NSW Maritime, is to identify whether further safety equipment or procedures are required for this type of race. The letter to members reads:
The CYCA Board of Directors has resolved to hold an inquiry into the incident that occurred during the Flinders Islet Yacht Race on 10 October 2009.
Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould AO RAN (Retired) has accepted the invitation of the board to chair the 2009 Flinders Islet Inquiry Committee. Other members of the committee include Past Commodore John Brooks and Past Commodore David Kellett AM.
In accordance with the terms of reference, the inquiry may seek input from various parties including, but not limited to, the crew of competing yachts, members of the race committee, the Bureau of Meteorology, emergency services involved in the incident, and such other persons as the inquiry sees fit. The inquiry may also receive written submissions.
On behalf of Rear Admiral Oxenbould I now invite members of the CYCA who wish to provide a written submission for the consideration of the inquiry committee to do so by close of business 4 December 2009.
Written submissions can be posted to:
The Chairman
Flinders Islet Race Inquiry
Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
1 New Beach Road
Darling Point NSW 2027
or sent via email to:
flindersislet.inquiry@cyca.com.au
The Inquiry Committee has been requested to provide an interim report by 12 December 2009 and its final report by 31 December 2009.
