For over 40 years I have known of fatalities caused by a boom. It is so sad that it has happened again. I pray that prevention through better training, design, awareness, practice, would see the end of these incidents.
A safety harness will only prevent you from going overboard. It will not protect your head in an unexpected gybe. I have raced offshore for many decades and unexpected gybes are a factor that you need to be aware of. We often rig up a preventer if sailing dead downwind in a rolling sea state.
Offshore yacht racing is inherently dangerous. I have competed for many decades and we are all aware of the dangers. The qualifying regime is very strict to even get a place in a RORC race, including race miles to qualify, qualified first aiders in the crew, offshore yacht survival training and scrutiny of the yachts competing. Life vests are fitted with transponders and have to meet a certain standard and each yacht carries a life-raft for the crew. Even the non professional sailors will be very able and experienced, and are fully aware of the risks. It’s all part of the experience that we all share and love.
Terrible news. What struck me at once was the apparently unquestioned continuation of the race. I mean: two people DIED. But so what, just keep on racing? ‘The games must go on’? Is that modern professional sailing nowadays? Does it matter nothing? A few condolances and on we go? Any thought on that subject? What would happen in other sports? Thanks for your otherwise very good reporting.
Sad for the sailors who died ,multiple boats dismasted .The start of the race should have been delayed to allow the storm to pass through.Not a good look for the sponsor Rolex.
It was not a storm. They had following winds of 25-35 knots. Maybe odd gusts of 40 knots. Not storm force at all. If you’re going to cancel elite yacht races for these wind strengths you’d better be cancelling a whole heap of way more dangerous activities. Like crossing roads.
@ Just a normal day at the office (not).Two sailors killed .One washed overboard and rescued .10 boats dismasted and 20 boats withdrew due to conditions.I have been watching Pip hare who was dismasted in the Vendee globe and is making her way under storm jib to Melbourne.She reported 40-50 knot Delaying the race by 24 hours would have allowed the storm to pass through and the sailors would have made Hobart on Sunday instead of Saturday.winds and 5-6 meter waves.I watched the vice commodore of the Sydney yacht club being interviewed and he was very defensive.I also happen to be a sailor and 25 knot winds dont cause dismasting.Sad for the two guys that died ,lucky day for the guy rescued after being washed overboard presumably due to a big wave.
Dismaying don’t happen in 25 knot winds? YES THEY DO! I’ve seen masts fall down in 10 knot winds. You’re not much of a sailor if you want iconic ocean races cancelled because of mere gale warnings. Nearly every Sydney Hobart fleet sails through a gale at some point. This one happened to be from behind them, which is much better than the other way around. If it was up to you there’d never be a Sydney Hobart race, much less Melbourne to Hobart (down west coast of Tas) much less round the world races. You’re being totally ridiculous
Sincere condolences to all affected by these tragic incidents. RIP Sailors.
Tragic. Sincere condolences to all. RIP.
Incredibly tragic. 😢
Tragic news. My heartfelt condolences to those involved with the two losses.
Heartbreaking news, condolences to family and friends. May the two sailors rest in eternal peace.
For over 40 years I have known of fatalities caused by a boom. It is so sad that it has happened again. I pray that prevention through better training, design, awareness, practice, would see the end of these incidents.
If sea was heavy,and at night,why not crew wearing safety harness.Standard safety requirement when we sailed RTW on Clipper😮
A safety harness will only prevent you from going overboard. It will not protect your head in an unexpected gybe. I have raced offshore for many decades and unexpected gybes are a factor that you need to be aware of. We often rig up a preventer if sailing dead downwind in a rolling sea state.
Exactly,so why wasn't this the case.seems like old crew too.Whilst a tragedy this needs investigating.😮
🙏
How sad. Is a race worth it? The organizers need to improve safety and skills standards…
Offshore yacht racing is inherently dangerous. I have competed for many decades and we are all aware of the dangers. The qualifying regime is very strict to even get a place in a RORC race, including race miles to qualify, qualified first aiders in the crew, offshore yacht survival training and scrutiny of the yachts competing. Life vests are fitted with transponders and have to meet a certain standard and each yacht carries a life-raft for the crew. Even the non professional sailors will be very able and experienced, and are fully aware of the risks. It’s all part of the experience that we all share and love.
Terrible news. What struck me at once was the apparently unquestioned continuation of the race. I mean: two people DIED. But so what, just keep on racing? ‘The games must go on’? Is that modern professional sailing nowadays? Does it matter nothing? A few condolances and on we go?
Any thought on that subject? What would happen in other sports?
Thanks for your otherwise very good reporting.
Yeah I thought about that and how could any feel glory winning after they know people have died
Sad for the sailors who died ,multiple boats dismasted .The start of the race should have been delayed to allow the storm to pass through.Not a good look for the sponsor Rolex.
It was not a storm. They had following winds of 25-35 knots. Maybe odd gusts of 40 knots. Not storm force at all. If you’re going to cancel elite yacht races for these wind strengths you’d better be cancelling a whole heap of way more dangerous activities. Like crossing roads.
@ Just a normal day at the office (not).Two sailors killed .One washed overboard and rescued .10 boats dismasted and 20 boats withdrew due to conditions.I have been watching Pip hare who was dismasted in the Vendee globe and is making her way under storm jib to Melbourne.She reported 40-50 knot Delaying the race by 24 hours would have allowed the storm to pass through and the sailors would have made Hobart on Sunday instead of Saturday.winds and 5-6 meter waves.I watched the vice commodore of the Sydney yacht club being interviewed and he was very defensive.I also happen to be a sailor and 25 knot winds dont cause dismasting.Sad for the two guys that died ,lucky day for the guy rescued after being washed overboard presumably due to a big wave.
Dismaying don’t happen in 25 knot winds? YES THEY DO! I’ve seen masts fall down in 10 knot winds. You’re not much of a sailor if you want iconic ocean races cancelled because of mere gale warnings. Nearly every Sydney Hobart fleet sails through a gale at some point. This one happened to be from behind them, which is much better than the other way around. If it was up to you there’d never be a Sydney Hobart race, much less Melbourne to Hobart (down west coast of Tas) much less round the world races. You’re being totally ridiculous