This year’s iconic Sydney to Hobart race has been marked by tragedy following the deaths of two sailors on the first night of racing. Both died after being struck by the booms of their respective sailboats, Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, amid adverse weather conditions that also forced numerous teams to retire, including the favored Master Lock Comanche.
The first incident occurred about 30 nautical miles southeast of Ulladulla, off the southern coast of New South Wales. Roy Quaden, 55, a member of the Flying Fish Arctos crew, suffered a fatal blow to the head while the boat was facing rough seas, according to the organization and ‘The Guardian’. Despite the efforts of his companions and the assistance of the maritime police, Quaden died before reaching dry land.
TRIBUTE TO THE DECEASED CREW MEMBERS
The second incident took place at about 2:15 a.m., about 30 nautical miles northeast of Batemans Bay, when Nick Smith, an experienced 65-year-old sailor taking part in his fifth Sydney to Hobart race, was also struck by the Bowline’s boom. Although CPR efforts were intense, Smith lost his life at the scene.
The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron mourned the loss of Smith, describing him as a key member of the yachting community. Friends and colleagues paid tribute on social media, remembering him as a “friend always ready to help.”
A MIRACULOUS RESCUE
The night was also marked by the rescue of Luke Watkins, crewmember of the Porco Rosso, who was swept out to sea by a giant wave. Watkins, 37, drifted more than a kilometer before being rescued thanks to his emergency radio beacon, automatically activated when he hit the water. “It was a terrifying experience, especially at night,” recounted Watkins, who managed to remain calm and follow safety protocols.
David Jacobs, vice-commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, highlighted the effectiveness of the safety systems implemented after past incidents, such as the 1998 tragedy that led to massive reforms in the regatta’s safety rules. This edition of the regatta has seen a high number of retirements: as of 8:30 a.m. Friday, 16 of the 104 boats entered had withdrawn, some after suffering major damage to the boat structure.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has announced that it will fully investigate the incidents to ensure that safety measures continue to be improved for future editions of the regatta.
