Sadly, last week we received the news that CDRE Tim Cox AM RAN Ret’d had passed away. Tim made an enormous contribution to our Club by serving as Race Committee Chair for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from 2002 until 2017. Additionally, Tim’s responsibilities as Race Committee Chairman extended to other blue water races such as the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and the Blue Water Pointscore races. Tim also performed the duties of Race Committee Chairman for the reinstated PONANT Sydney Noumea Yacht Race. 

Tim’s extensive naval experience and senior rank meant he was well-versed in Australian search and rescue operations. This had a considerable positive bearing on the success in safely executing Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races and many other offshore events for over 15-years.

As an extension of the role of Race Committee Chairman, Tim was also an integral part of the safety regime for sailing in NSW and Australia wide. Serving on the Safety Committee and then on the Special Regulations Committee, eventually as Chair, Tim oversaw the development and successful implementation of the National Equipment Auditing program.  Tim, in recent times was a dedicated auditor for the Club, served on protest committee’s and was always on hand to help in the lead-up to all our major races.

A prominent and regular personality in the Sydney yacht racing community, Tim enjoyed success in offshore and inshore sailing over the past 50 years. Regular divisional placings with Asterix, Soundtrack and Minerva are testament to this dedication.

Tim’s active and enduring involvement in sailing in NSW was reflected in his ‘larger-than-life’ presence both on and off the water. As a well-known Sydney-based sailor he was respected and revered for his knowledge, experience, and skill afloat and ashore. His intelligent and diligent contribution to the sport was reflected in his countless days spent every year in providing for safe and equitable sailing, particularly in offshore races at the CYCA and in NSW more generally – a real lifetime achievement devoted to the benefit of others.

Justine Kirkjian shared that “Tim was the greatest mentor and leader I have had the fortune and pleasure to work with, and the Club and our competitors are immeasurably indebted to him. The nature of the man with his leadership, dry humour and kindness left a profound impact on the people whose lives he crossed.” 

Our thoughts are with Kate, Edward, Phoebe and the Cox family.