On the night of December 26, 2024, tragedy struck the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as two sailors lost their lives due to freak accidents involving their yachts’ sails. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), which administers the race, confirmed both fatalities stemmed from being struck by the boom, the long horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail, during perilous weather conditions.
The deceased have been identified as 55-year-old Roy Quaden from Western Australia, who was on the yacht Flying Fish Arctos, and 65-year-old Nick Smith from South Australia, aboard the yacht Bowline. This grim outcome adds to the race's unfortunately storied history of fatalities at sea, marking the first deaths since the disastrous 1998 race when six sailors were lost.
The incidents unfolded approximately 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla and about 30 nautical miles east-northeast of Batemans Bay. Both sailors suffered fatal injuries from the boom, with crew members administering CPR attempts, which were unsuccessful.
New South Wales Police Superintendent Joe McNulty provided details during press briefings, emphasizing the shock experienced by both crews involved. "They’re doing it pretty tough at the moment. We’ve got police getting talking to them, doctors, and counseling," McNulty noted as he expressed condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sorrow over the tragic loss, stating, "Our thoughts this morning are with the two sailors who tragically lost their lives in the Sydney to Hobart race overnight. The Sydney to Hobart is an Australian tradition, and it is heartbreaking to see such loss at what should be a time of joy."
David Jacobs, Vice Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, reflected on the conditions during the race. He remarked, "The conditions are challenging, but they’re not excessive. Winds ranged between 25 and 38 knots with seas between two and three meters. These are conditions most sailors would normally handle, but they can still be unpredictable and dangerous." He added, "It was at night, which makes it tenfold more scary," underlining the increased risks faced by the crews.
The 2024 race commenced with 104 boats, each embarking on the challenging 628 nautical mile course from Sydney to Hobart. Although the weather was deemed manageable, it quickly worsened on the race’s opening night. Sadly, apart from the fatalities, another sailor was reported as being washed overboard from the yacht Porco Rosso but was rescued after drifting about one kilometer.
This unfortunate incident has intensified discussions surrounding the race’s safety measures. The Sydney to Hobart has experienced significant safety reforms following tragic events, most famously the 1998 race. During this event, six sailors perished due to severe storms, which triggered widespread inquiries and policy changes aimed at protecting competitors. Since then, 13 lives have been lost over the course of the race’s extensive history; this year’s fatalities have sparked renewed fears and sorrow within the sailing community.
Veteran sailor John Stanley, who survived the 1998 race, reflected on this year’s unfortunate incidents. He recalled the similar weather conditions from his ordeal, stating, "The conditions coming out of Sydney Heads were very similar to what they were this year. We had thunderstorm activity at night, and the aftermath left many unprepared as the weather rapidly turned sour."
Dr. John Saul, also among those who raced during the 1998 event, shared his emotional response to the latest tragedies. "It’s extremely sad to hear of anyone losing their life like this, especially those pursuing their love of sailing. Unfortunately, the Sydney to Hobart can get pretty tough, and these awful incidents are stark reminders of the risks involved."
The race continued as defending champion LawConnect, captained by Christian Beck, clinched the title once again, albeit with muted celebrations under the weight of recent events. The crew arrived at Constitution Dock at approximately 2:35 AM on Saturday, yet their triumph was shrouded by the sadness enveloping the fleet.
The sailing community is tight-knit, filled with camaraderie and mutual respect among competitors. The loss of two sailors has cast a long shadow over the entire event, altering the festive atmosphere of what is normally an end-of-year celebration for sailors. Jacobs reaffirmed the race's continuation, stating, "The race would absolutely continue, as the conditions were manageable, but we recognize the significance of these tragic incidents and will reassess them thoroughly once the racing concludes."
This year’s tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the inherent risks faced by sailors. With over 80 years of history, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race remains one of the world’s most challenging and dangerous competitions, demanding skill, resolve, and respect for the power of the ocean.
