Two sailors have tragically lost their lives during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race due to wild weather conditions. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia confirmed the deaths of one sailor each on the yachts Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. The fatalities occurred after the sailors were struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail.
Despite the heartbreaking incidents, the race will continue as the fleet makes its way to Constitution Dock in Hobart. The challenging 628-nautical-mile race has seen mass retirements, including the withdrawal of line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche.
David Jacobs, vice-commodore of the CYCA, assured that the race would proceed, emphasizing that the weather conditions, while challenging, were within the sailors' normal handling capabilities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased sailors, acknowledging the somber start to the prestigious race.
The tragic event aboard Flying Fish Arctos took place east-southeast of Ulladulla, while the incident on Bowline occurred east/north-east of Batemans Bay. Despite efforts to revive the sailors with CPR, both attempts were unsuccessful.
The deaths mark a poignant moment in the history of the Sydney to Hobart race, coming 26 years after a similar tragedy in 1998 that led to significant safety reforms.
In a separate development, the first all-Filipino crew participating in the 2024 race faced challenging conditions and joined approximately 15 other yachts in retiring from the competition.
Last year's race saw LawConnect clinch line honors in a thrilling finish, narrowly beating defending champion Comanche. The current race leader, LawConnect, is aiming to maintain its position as it heads towards Hobart, with Celestial V70 trailing closely behind.
As the sailing community mourns the loss of the two sailors, the spirit of the Sydney to Hobart race endures, showcasing both the camaraderie and risks inherent in this iconic ocean challenge.
