Champagne corks often pop and loud, boisterous cheers are usually heard around Constitution Dock when the Sydney to Hobart line honors winner finishes in the Tasmanian state capital. There were no such celebrations this year when defending champion LawConnect won the race early Saturday morning. Just 24 hours earlier, tragedy struck as two sailors died on separate boats due to sail boom accidents during the stormy first night of the race.
The fatalities occurred approximately two hours apart, with both accidents highlighting the dangers faced by sailors during this storied annual event. New South Wales Police Superintendent Joe McNulty confirmed the identities of the deceased as Roy Quaden, 55, from Western Australia, and Nick Smith, 65, from South Australia. Quaden was aboard the yacht Flying Fish Arctos when he was struck on the head by the boom. Smith, meanwhile, suffered fatal injuries on the yacht Bowline, reportedly being thrown across the boat and hitting his head on the winch after being struck by the main sheet.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the race, expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, stating, “Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased.” McNulty explained the psychological toll this has taken on the survivors, noting, “They are shaken up by what they’ve seen … and they didn’t give up.” Efforts to perform CPR on both sailors were unsuccessful, affirming the tragic outcomes of the accidents.
Conditions during the race were described as challenging but manageable by race officials. David Jacobs, vice-commodore of the CYCA, reassured the public, stating, “The conditions are challenging, but they’re not excessive.” Winds reached 25 knots, with sea levels around two meters, making it difficult for even the most seasoned sailors.
These deaths are particularly poignant as they mark the first fatalities since the devastating 1998 Sydney to Hobart race, where six sailors lost their lives amid treacherous storms. That incident led to extensive safety reforms, including regulations requiring sailors to wear emergency position-indicating radio beacons. Saturday's events echo the ever-present risks associated with the race, which has seen 13 fatalities over its 79-year history, including four due to heart attacks.
Following the tragedies, the rest of the fleet continued its course toward Constitution Dock, with LawConnect winning the race for the second consecutive year, arriving at 2:35 AM local time. Although they had sailed for just over 32 hours, the team's celebrations were understandably muted after hearing the news of their fellow sailors' deaths. Jacobs reiterated the need for the race to continue, emphasizing the community's resilience, echoing sentiments about the close-knit nature of the sailing community, and lamenting, “to lose two in this fashion is just devastating.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the chorus of tributes, stating it was “heartbreaking to think of the lives lost at what should have been a time of joy.” During this period of mourning, Albanese's message served to unite the sailing community and the wider public as they reflected on the sacrifices made by the sailors at sea.
The incidents on Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline spurred other boats to retire due to the extreme weather conditions. A total of 21 yachts withdrew from the race out of 104 participants, with some suffering significant damage. Comanche, last year's record holder, retired with mainsail damage, leaving LawConnect to dominate the final stretch.
While the race continued, the Cruising Yacht Club announced it would investigate the circumstances of the incidents to prevent future tragedies. The 2024 race will feature its first-ever all-Filipino crew, led by veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz. Despite tough conditions, the camaraderie among sailors remains unwavering, even as they contend with this year’s deep losses.
Every year, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race brings together sailors and spectators, highlighting the romance and allure of ocean racing. The events of this year serve as sober reminders of the risk involved, reigniting discussions on safety protocols on the high seas, especially as sailors face the unpredictable nature of both the ocean and weather.
