In response to the 2024 Sydney to Hobart incident report, three new amendments have been recommended by the National Safety Committee and Australian Sailing is seeking comments from the sailing public on the proposed amendments. 

The first amendment is to extend the current length of the heaving line from 15-20m to 30m.  To comment on this amendment please, go to this survey. 

The second amendment is to increase the amount of lifejacket rearm kits carried on board.  To comment on this proposed amendment, please go to this survey. 

While the third amendment is for crews in Category 1, 2 & 3N races to carry or have attached to them when on deck an AIS personal overboard beacon.  To comment on this proposed amendment, please go to this survey. 

The surveys will be open for comment until 29 May 2026. 

The Special Regulations can be found on our Safety Hub. 

By Melanie Peasey