The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has been marred by tragedy as two sailors lost their lives, marking the first fatalities at the event since 1998. Organizers have provided new details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Nick Smith, a seasoned Australian sailor, was initially believed to have been struck by a sail boom. However, investigators have clarified that the fatal incident was caused by a mainsheet. The force of the mainsheet threw Smith across the boat, leading to a head injury when he collided with a winch.
\"Nick is a very experienced sailor. We thought that he had been hit by the boom, as had Roy [Quadsen], but we've now learned that that actually wasn't the case, that he was hit by the mainsheet, and the mainsheet threw him across the boat. And unfortunately, he hit his head on the winch, and that's what killed him,\" stated David Jacobs, Vice Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
The tragic events have prompted organizers to re-evaluate safety measures to prevent such accidents in future races. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race remains one of the most challenging and prestigious events in the sailing calendar, drawing participants from around the globe.
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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race organizers say Smith was hit by mainsheet
cgtn.com
