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ABC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Sydney to Hobart yacht race review releases findings after deaths of Roy Quaden and Nick Smith
An independent review into last year's tragic Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which resulted in the deaths of two sailors, says helmets should remain optional for participants. A total of 104 boats set off from Sydney Harbour on December 26 ahead of a challenging weather forecast, including a gale warning, in the 79th edition of the 628 nautical mile race. By the end of the first night, two men — 55-year-old Roy Quaden and 65-year-old Nick Smith — had died in separate incidents on board their yachts. Another sailor, Luke Watkins, was rescued after spending 50 minutes in the water after falling overboard. Three other serious injuries occurred during the night, while three boats were de-masted and 14 others were forced to retire. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) subsequently commissioned an independent review to investigate the circumstances and consider potential safety improvements. The review committee was chaired by Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould and involved input from more than 40 people, including race participants and experts. The committee found Quaden's death happened after a "crash gybe" — an uncontrolled, violent flicking of the mainsail — on Flying Fish Arctos shortly before midnight. "For an unknown reason, the boat 'crash gybed' during a fairly routine sail adjustment albeit in strong wind conditions and difficult seas," the committee said in its report. The committee said it appeared Quaden had been struck by the boom during the crash gybe. "[He] is believed to have been killed instantly and even though there was very experienced first aid available on board, there was nothing that could be done to save his life." The death of Smith occurred shortly after 2am, when another crash gybe took place on his yacht, Bowline. "Nick was caught in the bight of the mainsheet during the gybe and his chest was forced against the port mainsail winch with great force and catastrophic consequences," the committee said. While first-aid was available on board, the committee said it was immediately apparent there was nothing that could be done to save Smith. Less than an hour after the two fatalities, Watkins, who was captain on Porco Rosso, fell overboard following another crash gybe. During the incident, Watkins was forced to activate his harness release system after running out of breath while caught underwater. While he was able to reach the surface and breathe, he was no longer tethered to the vessel. As the boat drifted away, he activated two locator beacons, including one that allowed his crew members to track him and eventually retrieve him. "Possibly the two most critical steps to saving Luke's life were the harness release system that allowed him to free himself from the boat and not be drowned, plus the AIS MOB (Automatic Identification System Man Overboard) beacon to guide the boat back to his actual position in the water," the committee said. The committee was asked to examine a range of potential safety options, including equipment such as helmets. The committee found that while helmets might help prevent minor injuries, they would likely do little to prevent catastrophic injuries caused by fast-swinging booms on large boats in heavy weather conditions. "The tragic loss of Roy Quaden from a head injury and Nick Smith from a compression of his chest serves as a powerful reminder of the risk and the need to take particular care in the type of conditions that prevailed," it said. It said helmets would also be cumbersome and impede communication between crew members. It said they should remain optional, dependent on an individual's preference or any specific requirements on an individual boat. The committee also recommended mandatory use of "AIS MOB beacons" for all sailors while on deck, to make it easier for crew members to locate anyone who falls overboard. It also recommended 50 per cent of all crews have a certain level of experience before taking part in the race. In a statement, the CYCA described the review as a "comprehensive and thoughtful". It said it would implement the recommendations. "The CYCA has always prided itself on being a leader in offshore racing safety — committed to continuous improvement, transparency and knowledge-sharing across the sailing community," it said. "These measures form part of the CYCA's commitment to setting the highest standards in offshore race management and safety." Paul McCartney, the owner and skipper of Porco Rosso, welcomed the recommendations. "I think the steps taken will make it a safer sport yet," he told the ABC.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Syd-Hob changes after deaths, helmets remain optional
Helmets will remain optional for Sydney to Hobart sailors following a review into the tragic 2024 edition of the yacht race that resulted in the deaths of two people. Sailors on two separate boats suffered fatal injuries in heavy downwind conditions on a Boxing Day night termed "extraordinarily eventful" by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's three-person review committee in its 53-page report released on Friday. A sailor from a third yacht was flung overboard in the wild weather but was recovered after 50 minutes in the water. The review committee determined each of the three incidents occurred during a crash gybe, an involuntary manoeuvre where the boat's mainsail flicks violently from one side to the other as the stern passes through the wind. Among seven "key changes" for the 2025 race, the CYCA will require 50 per cent of each boat's crew, as well as the person in charge, to have been on board for the boat's qualifying race. While boats had been required to undertake a long-form ocean race from an approved list between June 26 and Boxing Day in 2024, the CYCA had not mandated the number of Sydney to Hobart crew members required to have participated. In addition, AIS MOB personal locator beacons must now be carried by or attached to each crew member while on deck, after they had previously been optional. The report found that an AIS MOB locator beacon made the recovery of sailor Luke Watkins possible after he was flung overboard from Porco Rosso on the night of Boxing Day. The CYCA will also record and share seminars on communications, and heavy-weather and downwind sailing. A list of acceptable satellite phone systems will be published as part of a review of the race's communication requirements. The report determined that "communications were not perfect" during the night of horror on the sea, with the race operations centre struggling to get into contact with some of the vessels. Lastly, the CYCA will simplify the Sydney to Hobart's entry process and collaborate with Australian Sailing to update that organisation's sea safety and survival course. But helmets will remain optional after the committee interviewed more than 40 individuals connected to the race. The overwhelming preference, the report said, was for sailors to handle the risk of boom strike differently than wearing helmets - mostly by being "risk aware". The point was made by interviewees that helmets could hinder a sailor's ability to assess weather conditions and communicate properly with crewmates. It was also noted that lightweight helmets, like the kind used in rock climbing, would not prevent serious injury or death from boom strike, and that heavier alternatives, like a motorcycle helmet, were impractical to wear for long periods at sea. The report has been delivered to the NSW Coroner, who will determine whether further reviews are necessary. The report said Flying Fish Arctos's Roy Quaden died when he was struck by the boom attached to the mainsail as it swung on to his head just before midnight. The boat had experienced a crash gybe during a routine sail adjustment, with Quaden deemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the review committee remains unclear as to the specifics of the incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos, which is owned by a sailing school in Sydney. Key crew members affiliated with the school declined to be interviewed given the commercial boat is still subject to ongoing inquiries from other regulatory bodies. The one crew member interviewed did not see the moment the boom is thought to have struck and killed Quaden. "There is insufficient information as to what happened onboard Flying Fish Arctos to reach any findings with respect to the accident other than Roy Quaden appeared to be struck by the boom when the boat did a crash gybe," the report read. Just as he was going off shift aboard Bowline about 2am, Nick Smith suffered a serious chest injury when he became caught in the mainsheet and was thrown on to a winch. Crew members immediately suspected Smith, the most experienced sailor on board, had been killed. The review committee was told that Bowline crew had considered retiring about three hours before the accident when a different crew member suffered a bicep injury that required treatment. But the crew determined that because Eden, their closest port of refuge, was still ahead, it was better to push on while also giving themselves the chance to assess the injury in daylight. Helmets will remain optional for Sydney to Hobart sailors following a review into the tragic 2024 edition of the yacht race that resulted in the deaths of two people. Sailors on two separate boats suffered fatal injuries in heavy downwind conditions on a Boxing Day night termed "extraordinarily eventful" by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's three-person review committee in its 53-page report released on Friday. A sailor from a third yacht was flung overboard in the wild weather but was recovered after 50 minutes in the water. The review committee determined each of the three incidents occurred during a crash gybe, an involuntary manoeuvre where the boat's mainsail flicks violently from one side to the other as the stern passes through the wind. Among seven "key changes" for the 2025 race, the CYCA will require 50 per cent of each boat's crew, as well as the person in charge, to have been on board for the boat's qualifying race. While boats had been required to undertake a long-form ocean race from an approved list between June 26 and Boxing Day in 2024, the CYCA had not mandated the number of Sydney to Hobart crew members required to have participated. In addition, AIS MOB personal locator beacons must now be carried by or attached to each crew member while on deck, after they had previously been optional. The report found that an AIS MOB locator beacon made the recovery of sailor Luke Watkins possible after he was flung overboard from Porco Rosso on the night of Boxing Day. The CYCA will also record and share seminars on communications, and heavy-weather and downwind sailing. A list of acceptable satellite phone systems will be published as part of a review of the race's communication requirements. The report determined that "communications were not perfect" during the night of horror on the sea, with the race operations centre struggling to get into contact with some of the vessels. Lastly, the CYCA will simplify the Sydney to Hobart's entry process and collaborate with Australian Sailing to update that organisation's sea safety and survival course. But helmets will remain optional after the committee interviewed more than 40 individuals connected to the race. The overwhelming preference, the report said, was for sailors to handle the risk of boom strike differently than wearing helmets - mostly by being "risk aware". The point was made by interviewees that helmets could hinder a sailor's ability to assess weather conditions and communicate properly with crewmates. It was also noted that lightweight helmets, like the kind used in rock climbing, would not prevent serious injury or death from boom strike, and that heavier alternatives, like a motorcycle helmet, were impractical to wear for long periods at sea. The report has been delivered to the NSW Coroner, who will determine whether further reviews are necessary. The report said Flying Fish Arctos's Roy Quaden died when he was struck by the boom attached to the mainsail as it swung on to his head just before midnight. The boat had experienced a crash gybe during a routine sail adjustment, with Quaden deemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the review committee remains unclear as to the specifics of the incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos, which is owned by a sailing school in Sydney. Key crew members affiliated with the school declined to be interviewed given the commercial boat is still subject to ongoing inquiries from other regulatory bodies. The one crew member interviewed did not see the moment the boom is thought to have struck and killed Quaden. "There is insufficient information as to what happened onboard Flying Fish Arctos to reach any findings with respect to the accident other than Roy Quaden appeared to be struck by the boom when the boat did a crash gybe," the report read. Just as he was going off shift aboard Bowline about 2am, Nick Smith suffered a serious chest injury when he became caught in the mainsheet and was thrown on to a winch. Crew members immediately suspected Smith, the most experienced sailor on board, had been killed. The review committee was told that Bowline crew had considered retiring about three hours before the accident when a different crew member suffered a bicep injury that required treatment. But the crew determined that because Eden, their closest port of refuge, was still ahead, it was better to push on while also giving themselves the chance to assess the injury in daylight. Helmets will remain optional for Sydney to Hobart sailors following a review into the tragic 2024 edition of the yacht race that resulted in the deaths of two people. Sailors on two separate boats suffered fatal injuries in heavy downwind conditions on a Boxing Day night termed "extraordinarily eventful" by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's three-person review committee in its 53-page report released on Friday. A sailor from a third yacht was flung overboard in the wild weather but was recovered after 50 minutes in the water. The review committee determined each of the three incidents occurred during a crash gybe, an involuntary manoeuvre where the boat's mainsail flicks violently from one side to the other as the stern passes through the wind. Among seven "key changes" for the 2025 race, the CYCA will require 50 per cent of each boat's crew, as well as the person in charge, to have been on board for the boat's qualifying race. While boats had been required to undertake a long-form ocean race from an approved list between June 26 and Boxing Day in 2024, the CYCA had not mandated the number of Sydney to Hobart crew members required to have participated. In addition, AIS MOB personal locator beacons must now be carried by or attached to each crew member while on deck, after they had previously been optional. The report found that an AIS MOB locator beacon made the recovery of sailor Luke Watkins possible after he was flung overboard from Porco Rosso on the night of Boxing Day. The CYCA will also record and share seminars on communications, and heavy-weather and downwind sailing. A list of acceptable satellite phone systems will be published as part of a review of the race's communication requirements. The report determined that "communications were not perfect" during the night of horror on the sea, with the race operations centre struggling to get into contact with some of the vessels. Lastly, the CYCA will simplify the Sydney to Hobart's entry process and collaborate with Australian Sailing to update that organisation's sea safety and survival course. But helmets will remain optional after the committee interviewed more than 40 individuals connected to the race. The overwhelming preference, the report said, was for sailors to handle the risk of boom strike differently than wearing helmets - mostly by being "risk aware". The point was made by interviewees that helmets could hinder a sailor's ability to assess weather conditions and communicate properly with crewmates. It was also noted that lightweight helmets, like the kind used in rock climbing, would not prevent serious injury or death from boom strike, and that heavier alternatives, like a motorcycle helmet, were impractical to wear for long periods at sea. The report has been delivered to the NSW Coroner, who will determine whether further reviews are necessary. The report said Flying Fish Arctos's Roy Quaden died when he was struck by the boom attached to the mainsail as it swung on to his head just before midnight. The boat had experienced a crash gybe during a routine sail adjustment, with Quaden deemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the review committee remains unclear as to the specifics of the incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos, which is owned by a sailing school in Sydney. Key crew members affiliated with the school declined to be interviewed given the commercial boat is still subject to ongoing inquiries from other regulatory bodies. The one crew member interviewed did not see the moment the boom is thought to have struck and killed Quaden. "There is insufficient information as to what happened onboard Flying Fish Arctos to reach any findings with respect to the accident other than Roy Quaden appeared to be struck by the boom when the boat did a crash gybe," the report read. Just as he was going off shift aboard Bowline about 2am, Nick Smith suffered a serious chest injury when he became caught in the mainsheet and was thrown on to a winch. Crew members immediately suspected Smith, the most experienced sailor on board, had been killed. The review committee was told that Bowline crew had considered retiring about three hours before the accident when a different crew member suffered a bicep injury that required treatment. But the crew determined that because Eden, their closest port of refuge, was still ahead, it was better to push on while also giving themselves the chance to assess the injury in daylight.
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Helmets remain optional for Sydney to Hobart race despite 2024 double fatality tragedy
Helmets will remain optional for Sydney to Hobart sailors following a review into the tragic 2024 edition of the yacht race that resulted in the deaths of two people. Sailors on two separate boats suffered fatal injuries in heavy downwind conditions on a Boxing Day night termed 'extraordinarily eventful' by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's three-person review committee in its 53-page report released on Friday. A sailor from a third yacht was flung overboard in the wild weather but was recovered after 50 minutes in the water. The review committee determined each of the three incidents occurred during a crash gybe, an involuntary manoeuvre where the boat's mainsail flicks violently from one side to the other as the stern passes through the wind. Among seven 'key changes' for the 2025 race, the CYCA will require 50 per cent of each boat's crew, as well as the person in charge, to have been on board for the boat's qualifying race. While boats had been required to undertake a long-form ocean race from an approved list between June 26 and Boxing Day in 2024, the CYCA had not mandated the number of Sydney to Hobart crew members required to have participated. In addition, AIS MOB personal locator beacons must now be carried by or attached to each crew member while on deck, after they had previously been optional. The report found that an AIS MOB locator beacon made the recovery of sailor Luke Watkins possible after he was flung overboard from Porco Rosso on the night of Boxing Day. The CYCA will also record and share seminars on communications, and heavy-weather and downwind sailing. A list of acceptable satellite phone systems will be published as part of a review of the race's communication requirements. The report determined that 'communications were not perfect' during the night of horror on the sea, with the race operations centre struggling to get into contact with some of the vessels. Lastly, the CYCA will simplify the Sydney to Hobart's entry process and collaborate with Australian Sailing to update that organisation's sea safety and survival course. But helmets will remain optional after the committee interviewed more than 40 individuals connected to the race. The overwhelming preference, the report said, was for sailors to handle the risk of boom strike differently than wearing helmets - mostly by being 'risk aware'. The point was made by interviewees that helmets could hinder a sailor's ability to assess weather conditions and communicate properly with crewmates. It was also noted that lightweight helmets, like the kind used in rock climbing, would not prevent serious injury or death from boom strike, and that heavier alternatives, like a motorcycle helmet, were impractical to wear for long periods at sea. The report has been delivered to the NSW Coroner, who will determine whether further reviews are necessary. The report said Flying Fish Arctos's Roy Quaden died when he was struck by the boom attached to the mainsail as it swung on to his head just before midnight. The boat had experienced a crash gybe during a routine sail adjustment, with Quaden deemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the review committee remains unclear as to the specifics of the incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos, which is owned by a sailing school in Sydney. Key crew members affiliated with the school declined to be interviewed given the commercial boat is still subject to ongoing inquiries from other regulatory bodies. The one crew member interviewed did not see the moment the boom is thought to have struck and killed Quaden. 'There is insufficient information as to what happened onboard Flying Fish Arctos to reach any findings with respect to the accident other than Roy Quaden appeared to be struck by the boom when the boat did a crash gybe,' the report read. Just as he was going off shift aboard Bowline about 2am, Nick Smith suffered a serious chest injury when he became caught in the mainsheet and was thrown on to a winch. Crew members immediately suspected Smith, the most experienced sailor on board, had been killed. The review committee was told that Bowline crew had considered retiring about three hours before the accident when a different crew member suffered a bicep injury that required treatment. But the crew determined that because Eden, their closest port of refuge, was still ahead, it was better to push on while also giving themselves the chance to assess the injury in daylight.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Syd-Hob changes after deaths, helmets remain optional
Helmets will remain optional for Sydney to Hobart sailors following a review into the tragic 2024 edition of the yacht race that resulted in the deaths of two people. Sailors on two separate boats suffered fatal injuries in heavy downwind conditions on a Boxing Day night termed "extraordinarily eventful" by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's three-person review committee in its 53-page report released on Friday. A sailor from a third yacht was flung overboard in the wild weather but was recovered after 50 minutes in the water. The review committee determined each of the three incidents occurred during a crash gybe, an involuntary manoeuvre where the boat's mainsail flicks violently from one side to the other as the stern passes through the wind. Among seven "key changes" for the 2025 race, the CYCA will require 50 per cent of each boat's crew, as well as the person in charge, to have been on board for the boat's qualifying race. While boats had been required to undertake a long-form ocean race from an approved list between June 26 and Boxing Day in 2024, the CYCA had not mandated the number of Sydney to Hobart crew members required to have participated. In addition, AIS MOB personal locator beacons must now be carried by or attached to each crew member while on deck, after they had previously been optional. The report found that an AIS MOB locator beacon made the recovery of sailor Luke Watkins possible after he was flung overboard from Porco Rosso on the night of Boxing Day. The CYCA will also record and share seminars on communications, and heavy-weather and downwind sailing. A list of acceptable satellite phone systems will be published as part of a review of the race's communication requirements. The report determined that "communications were not perfect" during the night of horror on the sea after the committee examined the race operations centre and control room log books. Lastly, the CYCA will simplify the Sydney to Hobart's entry process and collaborate with Australian Sailing to update that organisation's sea safety and survival course. But helmets will remain optional after the committee interviewed more than 40 individuals connected to the race. The overwhelming preference, the report said, was for sailors to handle the risk of boom strike differently than wearing helmets - mostly by being "risk aware". The point was made by interviewees that helmets could hinder a sailor's ability to assess weather conditions and communicate properly with crewmates. It was also noted that lightweight helmets, like the kind used in rock climbing, would not prevent serious injury or death from boom strike, and that heavier alternatives, like a motorcycle helmet, were impractical to wear for long periods at sea. The report has been delivered to the NSW Coroner, who will determine whether further reviews are necessary. The report said Flying Fish Arctos's Roy Quaden died when he was struck by the boom attached to the mainsail as it swung on to his head just before midnight. The boat had experienced a crash gybe during a routine sail adjustment, with Quaden deemed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the review committee remains unclear as to the specifics of the incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos, which is owned by a sailing school in Sydney. Key crew members affiliated with the school declined to be interviewed given the commercial boat is still subject to ongoing inquiries from other regulatory bodies. The one crew member interviewed did not see the moment the boom is thought to have struck and killed Quaden. "There is insufficient information as to what happened onboard Flying Fish Arctos to reach any findings with respect to the accident other than Roy Quaden appeared to be struck by the boom when the boat did a crash gybe," the report read. Just as he was going off shift aboard Bowline about 2am, Nick Smith suffered a serious chest injury when he became caught in the mainsheet and was thrown on to a winch. Crew members immediately suspected Smith, the most experienced sailor on board, had been killed. The review committee was told that Bowline crew had considered retiring about three hours before the accident when a different crew member suffered a bicep injury that required treatment. But the crew determined that because Eden, their closest port of refuge, was still ahead, it was better to push on while also giving themselves the chance to assess the injury in daylight.
Reuters
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Monnin magic as Swiss skipper lifts sailing's Congressional Cup at 11th attempt
Summary Monnin wins Congressional Cup on 11th attempt Poole's bid for historic victory thwarted by Monnin Tapper's CYCA team finishes third, showing progress LONG BEACH, California, May 5 (Reuters) - Swiss skipper Eric Monnin clinched his first Congressional Cup on Sunday, beating champion Chris Poole of the United States 3–2 in a tense final at the 60th staging of the regatta known as the 'granddaddy' of match sailing. Monnin finally got his hands on the silverware — and the crimson blazer that comes with it — at his 11th attempt. The win wasn't just sweet for Monnin, it was a spoiler too, as he stopped Poole from sailing into the history books. Poole, fresh off a clean sweep against Aussie Cole Tapper in the semis, had been aiming to become only the second skipper to win three successive regatta victories, after American ace Taylor Canfield's feat from 2014 to 2016. "Chris put a lot of pressure on us, and we were close to cracking under it," 49-year-old Monnin said. "But winning this regatta is a big step for us. It's a big deal, and it means a lot to do it with this crew," he said of the team, which included his wife Ute and brother Jean-Claude. The closely fought final saw the lead change hands multiple times, with Poole drawing first blood before Monnin responded with back-to-back victories. The American levelled in race four, setting up a decisive winner-takes-all encounter. The climactic race delivered drama as Monnin suffered an early penalty off the start line but kept in contention in the light, fickle breeze. Fortune swung his way at the first windward mark when Poole clipped the buoy, earning a penalty that cancelled out Monnin's earlier infringement. With the slate wiped clean, a game of inches ensued. Monnin nursed a slender lead down the final run before the boats split gybes at the bottom of the course. Despite Poole catching a late puff to narrow the gap, the Swiss held firm to secure victory. Australia's Tapper completed the podium, claiming third place after defeating American Dave Hood in another series that went the distance. The result marked remarkable progress for Tapper's Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Youth Sailing Academy team, which finished eighth in their Congressional Cup debut last year. The Congressional Cup has been a fixture of the World Match Racing Tour since 1965, and is a high-stakes duel in Long Beach where six- or seven-person teams race identical Catalina 37s, all under a strict 525kg crew weight limit. Podium: 1-Eric Monnin / Capvis Swiss Match Racing (Switzerland) crew: Ute Monnin Wagner, Mathieu Renault, Jean-Claude Monnin, Simon Brügger, Julien Falxa, Maxime Mesnil 2-Chris Poole / Riptide Racing (U.S.) crew: Joachim Aschenbrenner, Ben Lamb, Mal Parker, Rob Scivenor, and Harry West 3-Cole Tapper / CYCA (Australia) crew: Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Hamish Vass, Nathan Gulliksen, and George Richardson
