Yacht race deaths were accidental: coroner

[Ilenart]

The authorities have finalised the investigation into the accident when the 25-metre maxi Shockwave crashed into rocks at Flinders Island, off Port Kembla NSW, Australia.

Yacht race deaths were accidental: coroner

Have to admit I'm a bit surprised they did not make any findings / recommendations over the length of time the skipper was helming.

In his opening address to the inquest, counsel assisting the coroner, Adam Casselden, said Mr Short may have been tired after spending seven hours as the sole helmsman of the yacht, from the time it left Sydney the previous night.

Anyone know where the detailed coroner's report can be found?

May they rest in peace.

Ilenart

[HDChopper]

???18 ppl onboard .... and he had to helm alone ? I don't understand , is it one of the rules of the race ?

[puddinlegs]

There are often owner/driver rules for well known races and/or boat classes, but this usually only applies to the start and maybe a particular length of a race. In an ocean race though, the helm usually gets shared. With 18 on the boat, I'm sure they had others designated to drive. That said, there are owners out there who really don't/can't for whatever reason relinquish the wheel. It's a recipe for disaster in bad weather. I have no idea why as it's almost impossible to drive fast and effectively for more than two or three hours without relief.