Sailor killed in Sydney Harbour yacht crash identified as police investigate cause

A sailor killed in a freak yacht crash on Sydney Harbour has been identified, as police appeal for any information and footage of the collision.

Police are appealing for information following the death of a Northern Beaches man, who was killed when two yachts collided in Sydney Harbour last week.

About 6pm on Friday, a group of nine people, including 51-year-old Nico Lassing, set sail on-board the Plato Pendragon yacht, as part of the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association’s twilight races.

Nick Lassing died on December 6 in a yacht crash at Watsons Bay. Picture: Supplied

The Plato Pendragon was towed to a police holding yard at Balmain. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Just half an hour into the competition, tragedy struck, when the boat collided with another yacht, which was competing in the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club’s summer races.

The force of impact was so severe Mr Lassing suffered serious injuries to his chest.

Police and paramedics rushed to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to assist Mr Lassing, however he could not be revived.

NSW Police at Rushcutters Bay following the tragedy. Picture: TNV

The skippers of both yachts were taken for mandatory testing and the vessels were seized for mechanical examination.

Police have commenced an investigation and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Crime Stoppers.

The Plato Pendragon returning to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia following the tragedy. Picture: OnScene Bondi

Detectives would like to speak to any foreshore residents in the Watsons Bay and Vaucluse suburbs, who may have CCTV footage covering the Sydney Harbour Area and any person who was on the harbour at the time of the incident who has on board video including GoPro footage.

Mr Lassing was understood to be an experienced sailor, and had spent the days leading up to his death, assisting as a crew member on other yachts.