December 28. 2014 – Hats off to Syd Fischer at 87 years young he is the oldest sailor, owner and skipper to participate in this years 70th edition of the Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day Race.
Mentor to many of today’s top sailors including America’s Cup skipper Ian Murray, Team Oracle skipper, Jimmy Spithill, and a host of other top sailors from the Olympics to Match Racing, World Championships and Ocean Racing.
Syd Fischer’s competitive roots were honed by playing Rugby League for Manly Sea Eagles, and surfboat racing for Bilgola and North Steyne surf lifesaving clubs.
A self made man that started off as a carpenter to become the Executive Chairman of Australian Development Corporation Pty Ltd. group.
Syd Fischer has represented Australia internationally in 5 America’s Cup campaigns; self-funding all (a record shared with Sir Thomas Lipton). Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Yachting Awards 2013, Award for services to Yachting 2003.
With an imminent 46 Sydney to Hobart’s behind him and 0.2 nm to the finish of the 2014 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin 100 will capture a Line Honours 3rd place, finishing the race in an unofficial time of 2 day 13 hours and 48 minutes, within one more race to tie the record of the most Hobart races set by Tony Cable at 47.
Fischer has said in the past that he’ll die with his sea boots on. ”I’ve told the crew that if I do happen to croak, put me in a sail bag, but win the bloody race.”