Two Sailors Die After Boom Strikes in Sydney to Hobart Race's First Deaths in 26 Years

Dec 27, 2024, 04:11 AM

Two sailors, Nick Smith, 65, from South Australia, and Roy Quaden, 55, from Western Australia, have died in separate incidents during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, marking the event's first fatalities in 26 years. Both crew members were struck in the head by sail booms amid wild weather conditions described as "boat-breaking," with gale-force winds of 45-55 km/h and high seas battering the fleet. The sailors were aboard the vessels Bowline and Flying Fish Arctos. Race officials and maritime police are investigating the incidents. Several yachts, including race favorite Comanche, have retired from the race due to the treacherous conditions. The Cruising Yacht Club has defended the decision to proceed with the race despite the severe weather forecasts.