Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Marred by Tragic Deaths
In a devastating twist, two sailors have lost their lives during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, with line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche forced to withdraw due to poor weather conditions that have led to mass retirements.
According to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), one sailor was killed on each of the vessels Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline when they were struck by the boom, a horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. Organizers have revealed that the tragic incident occurred near the New South Wales south coast, with sailors attempting CPR before the crew member on Flying Fish Arctos was pronounced deceased.
The condition of the survivors is unknown. The CYCA has confirmed that the race will continue, saying that the remaining sailors are trained to handle extreme weather conditions of 25 knot winds and wave heights of 2 meters. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the lost sailors, with his thoughts joined with those of the crews and their families during this difficult time.
The Flying Fish Arctos, a 50-footer, has entered the race for the 18th time and is used for sailing lessons for the Flying Fish sailing school on Sydney’s north shore. It is the worst tragedy to beset the iconic race since the 1998 edition, where six sailors perished in wild weather.
Comanche, currently the fastest finishing yacht in the race, led the field during the early hours of the first day, although it has already withdrawn due to the extreme weather conditions. Australian sailors have praised the efforts of the crew during the race.
The first crews are expected to arrive in Constitution Dock in Hobart later tonight or early Saturday morning, capping off an eventful competition.