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2:35 AM Mon 23 Feb 2009 GMT
Daryl Hamilton, a highly experienced powerboat competitor who had competed successfully across a range of classes, has died in hospital after a high-speed crash on Kogarah Bay.
A well-known and respected member of the Victorian branch of the Australian Power Boat Association (APBA), Hamilton, 45, of Melbourne, leaves behind a wife and children.
Glenn Banks, president of the APBA, said all involved with the sport would join with him in expressing condolences to the Hamilton family, friends and associates,
"I did not know Daryl well, but I do know he was a talented driver, experienced and successful in many events," he said.
"There's no doubt he will be sadly missed in many quarters."
NSW Water Police are examining the boat, a 6.5-metre KT11 hydroplane powered by a fuel injected inboard.
Reports indicate the boat rose into the air off wash and flipped. It was not fitted with a reinforced cockpit cell.
One witness suggested Hamilton's boat came into contact with another competitor, but not in a manner likely to cause the accident. Other witnesses praise a fellow competitor who stoped racing and dived into the water to go to Hamilton's aid.
He supported the injured driver until rescue crews arrived after which he was rushed to the nearby St.George Hospital.
Early diagnosis suggested Hamilton had sustained a broken neck and he was immediately placed on life support, but passed away 11pm that evening.
"I would like to say that hearing of another driver diving overboard to assist Daryl is no surprise," Glenn Banks said. "The powerboat racing community is extremely close, everyone knows everyone, and everyone supports everyone.
"Although boat racing fatalities are rare, it is motor sport and it can be dangerous and it doesn't matter how good you are, accidents can occur. "Ayrton Senna and Peter Brock come to mind - they were experts and professional in every sense and are no longer with us due to tragic accidents.
"The national executive of the APBA will discuss this accident in detail and undertake any action feasible to ensure every possible safety factor is in place. Needless to say, the APBA stands ready to support the Hamilton family in anyway it can."
John Thomas, president of the Victorian Council of the APBA, said the tragic loss of a "good bloke" had devastated the speedboat racing community. "The council is terribly upset, still coming to grips with this loss," he said.
"Daryl was a first class driver and last month won the Glenmaggie Cup. He was a champion racer and a champion all-round fellow.
"The Victorian Council joins with the all APBA branches in extending sincere condolences to the Hamilton family."
by Bob Wonders
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Lord Howe Island Windy Point, NSW
