Emotional scenes as sailors Nick Smith and Roy Quaden killed in tragic Sydney to Hobart yacht race are farewelled by loved ones: ‘Forever our crew’
Two sailors who died on the voyage from Sydney to Hobart embraced the adventurous spirit of ocean racing and will ‘be crew members forever’.
Family, friends, fellow sailors and members of the public paused at a memorial in Hobart on Tuesday to remember Nick Smith and Roy Quaden.
On a rough first night of racing, 65-year-old Mr Smith hit his head on a winch aboard the Bowline after being thrown across the yacht when struck by the mainsheet.
Mr Quaden, 55, from Western Australia, was on Flying Fish Arctos when he was struck by the boat’s boom – a pole along the underside of a sail.
Crew members attempted CPR at sea, but neither could be saved.
Two wreaths were placed at Constitution Dock, where Mr Smith and Mr Quaden are said to have set foot after finishing the 628 nautical mile event.
“We gather with heavy hearts to honor two beloved members of our sailing community,” said Sam Haynes, commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race organiser.
“Both men embraced the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines our sport.
Family, friends, fellow sailors and members of the public paused at a memorial in Hobart on Tuesday to remember Nick Smith and Roy Quaden (pictured)
“We extend our deepest condolences to Nick’s son and daughter, Roy’s wife and two daughters.
“(As well as) their extended families, their friends, their fellow crew members and all those in our sailing community who feel this profound loss.”
Mr Smith, who was a member of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, is described as an experienced and down-to-earth sailor.
Round-the-world solo sailor Jessica Watson was among the solemn and tearful crowd at Constitution Dock.
“May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails and lead you to peaceful waters,” said Dr. Haynes.
“You will forever be part of our crew, carried by the waves of love and memory.”
Police will investigate the deaths, which occurred off the NSW south coast, and prepare a report for the coroner that could lead to an investigation.
Sydney to Hobart race organizers have pledged a targeted review that could lead to recommendations for safety reforms.
Two wreaths were placed at Constitution Dock, where Mr Smith and Mr Quaden would have set foot after finishing the race (people pictured gathering to honor Mr Smith and Mr Quaden)
Several people gathered (photo) to commemorate the killed sailors
Police will investigate the deaths of the two sailors, which took place off the NSW south coast, and prepare a report for the coroner that could trigger an inquest (people gather at Constitution Dock in Hobart to see Mr Smith and Mr Quaden commemorate)
Widespread changes to racing protocols were implemented after the 1998 event, in which six sailors died in wild storms.
Organizers said conditions for the 2024 race, with winds of up to 40 knots, were in line with pre-race forecasts.
There was also the dramatic rescue of Luke Watkins, who spent about 30 minutes in the water in the dark after being washed off Porco Rosso.
The festivities were subdued for line honors winner supermaxi yacht LawConnect, as well as overall handicap winner Celestial V70.
Conditions have calmed down after a tough opening night – there have been 30 retirements from a starting fleet of 104 yachts, with six still at sea at 2pm on Tuesday.