Syd Fischer

Syd Fischer (born 4 March 1927 in Sydney) is an Australian businessman and property developer and sailor. [cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,22962065-2702,00.html?from=public_rss|title=Syd Fischer not the retiring type|work=The Australian|author=Rob Mundle|date=December 22, 2007|accessdate=2008-03-24]

Most noted for his sailing, Fischer is described as Australia's most successful offshore sailor. He has skippered numerous yachts, notably several named "Ragamuffin" and has competed in six Admiral's Cup teams representing his country.

He has had wins including
* World Championship One Ton Cup in "Stormy Petrel" in New Zealand in 1971
* 1971 Fastnet Race in "Ragamuffin"
* Line honours in the 1988 and 1990 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
* Handicap honours in 1992 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
* 1980 Round State Race in Hawaii

Fischer shares a record of five challenges for the America's Cup, with Sir Thomas Lipton. He first challenged for the 1983 America's Cup in "Advance", the year "Australia II" won. He led subsequent challenges in 1987 in "Steak'n'Kidney", and 1992 in "Challenge Australia". He made his third and fourth attempts at San Diego in 1992 and 1995 and his fifth in Auckland in 2000. [cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19970514/ai_n14106923|title=Fischer's fifth America's Cup campaign|work=The Independent|date=May 14, 1997|author=Stuart Alexander|accessdate=2008-03-24]

In 1996 and 1998 he captained Australia's Kenwood Cup team.

Awards

Fischer was named 1971 Australian Yachtsman of the Year and was Australian Ocean Racer of the Year in 1993, 1996 and 2002.

He has been awarded an OBE for his sporting achievements and was inducted into the New South Wales Sports Hall of Fame in 2002-03.

References