15 yachts, including the top contender, withdraw from the iconic race after deadly accidents and challenging weather.
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been marred by tragedy after two sailors lost their lives on separate boats during the event, which is notorious for its history of fatalities. The deaths occurred overnight as the race, spanning 722 miles, faced severe weather conditions.
According to race organisers Rolex, the sailors were aboard the yachts Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline when they were struck by the vessels’ booms—a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The sailors died despite efforts by their crews to perform CPR. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
In addition to the tragic deaths, 15 other yachts, including the race favourite Master Lock Comanche, were forced to withdraw from the competition due to poor weather conditions. The two incidents occurred while the Flying Fish Arctos was approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla and Bowline was about 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay.
Rolex confirmed that the Water Police are investigating the incidents, and no further details will be released until the families of the victims have been notified. The event organisers extended their condolences to the crews and families affected by the loss.
The race continues as the remaining fleet makes its way toward Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first yachts expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. The tragic deaths have cast a shadow over this year’s race, adding to the event’s longstanding legacy of maritime casualties.
