Fatal accident during the historic regatta. Comanche retreats while leading
Two sailors died during the Sydney-Hobart, a historic southern sailing competition. The organizers of the regatta declared it. Aboard Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, the two sailors stood by the booms as the yachts headed south along the New South Wales coast, having departed Sydney Harbor on Boxing Day. Other crew members tried to resuscitate them, but to no avail. “As these incidents are being dealt with by the Aquatic Police and all family members have yet to be contacted, we cannot provide further details at this stage,” the race committee said in a short statement. “Our thoughts are with the crews, families and friends of the deceased.”
weather factor
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Extreme winds and high seas had been predicted for the 628 nautical mile event, which finishes in Tasmania’s state capital, Hobart, after the fleet negotiated the infamous Bass Strait. Weather is a critical factor in the race, first held in 1945, with winds and conditions often changing rapidly. Six men died, five boats sank and 55 sailors were rescued in 1998 when a deep depression erupted over the fleet in Bass Strait. Organizers said seven boats have so far withdrawn from the initial fleet of 104 boats. Alive, the overall winner of last year’s Tattersall Cup, which takes into account boat size and other factors, was an early casualty, retiring with engine problems. Another major setback was the withdrawal of race record holder Comanche due to mainsail damage, leaving the door open for its main rival LawConnect. Comanche, which crossed the finish line in one day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, setting a new record in 2017, was leading at the time of retirement. Wild Oats, who have won the race twice – most recently in 2014 – suffered another accident, with damage to the rigging.