A 72-year-old man who died after his new boat capsized in rough seas off Sydney was heading to Bundaberg in Queensland.
The man was winched to shore but couldn't be revived after his 8.7-metre sailing boat capsized off Boat Harbour, near Kurnell, early on Monday.
A 24-year-old woman, who was uninjured, had to swim to land to alert authorities.
The boat, called C.C. Rider, had been docked at Greenwell Point near Nowra for several weeks until Sunday morning, retired fisherman Graham Bates said.
Mr Bates posted online he thought the sailor was "a bit keen" to head off on Sunday for the trip to Bundaberg given the forecast of rough seas.
The local man told AAP he didn't receive any indication from the 72-year-old as to how long the trip would take.
The woman was taken to Sutherland Hospital for observation.
"Inquiries are continuing in relation to what actually has occurred, however, the seas were quite hazardous ... which obviously made it difficult for rescuers," Acting Inspector Mel Thompson told reporters.
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