11/06/2026
The MYC community wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences as a club to the friends and family of Ian “Bunny” Warren, who passed away Tuesday afternoon.
Bunny has been a huge part of the Mornington Yacht Club, coaching for many seasons since the early 2000s. He’s sailed at the club aboard Keelboats, Etchells and was accompanied at times by daughter Thalia.
We mourn together but remember Bunny collectively as a gentleman with a great sense of humour & a heart full of one liners. His sailing acumen and ability to get a boat going fast was second to none, our club community will feel the loss deeply.
Our youth community and senior athletes had the privilege of his knowledge up till recent weeks locally and overseas, we take gratitude that his words will stay in the hearts and minds of those that continue to distribute his wealth of knowledge.
Our MYC family reflect on the times that Bunny coached our Optis through Covid, imparted knowledge over many years to our 420’s, ILCA’s, 470s, 29ers and trimmed the main in ladiesskippers races. The list goes on and the impact and mentorship will not be lost.
Bunny’s impact was broader than just MYC it was global, a close friend of Daveys Bay Yacht Club and many around the bay.
Bunny mentored generations of sailors and worked to make sailing more accessible for all with a particular passion for Youth and Development sailing.
“Bunny, our friend, gone too soon,” said long-time friend Chris Jackson. “Sail on my friend, in calm seas and fair winds, watch over us mate. For over four decades you were a coach to so many around the world, but so much more to so many more, my thoughts are with Thalia and all his family and friends.”
Bunny coached the Australian 49er team of Chris Nicholson and Gary Boyd to seventh place at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and went on to develop many future Olympians through his role as Head Coach of Sailing at the Victorian Institute of Sport.
Again, our condolences go out to Bunny’s many close friends and family, you will be missed.
The details of a gathering to celebrate Bunny’s life will follow in the coming weeks or months. 🐰🤍🪽