Nick Smith farewelled by family and friends at memorial service following Sydney Hobart tragedy

Sailors and crewmates have gathered to remember their friend, a 65-year-old SA sailor who died in a tragic accident while competing in last year’s Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Nick Smith, 65, was tragically killed while racing on Bowline in the 2024 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Picture: Bowline

Members of the SA sailing community have gathered to remember Nick Smith, who lost his life in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race late last year.

In a service at the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron on Friday afternoon, hundreds of friends, family and fellow sailors gathered to pay their respects and share memories, describing Mr Smith as “humble”, “sincere”, and “always smiling”.

Tributes and speeches were made by various skippers from the Yacht Squadron, who all had fond memories and anecdotes of Mr Smith.

Friends of Nick Smith remembered their friend in a memorial service at the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron on Friday. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“He was always smiling, laughing and having a go,” friend and skipper Mal Denton said.

“Nick wanted everyone to get the best out of their life.”

“May the waters you sail and paddle on from now be tranquil, and the wind always in your favour,” another said.

“Rest easy my friend.”

Ian Roberts, skipper of Bowline and one of those present when Mr Smith lost his life, closed the service with an emotional tribute to his friend and crewmate.

“As skipper, I often shared a “hot bunk” with Nick because he was on the other watch,” Mr Roberts said.

“It was reassuring to know that he was on the other watch, because nothing was left to chance, and I was able to sleep knowing the boat was in very good hands.”

Mr Roberts ended his speech with a message for his friend.

“Nick, please make sure the boat is rigged, and ready for us on the other side.”

After the speeches, friends of Nick Smith, including the entire crew of Bowline, lay wreaths and flowers in Bowline’s docking berth, the tributes drifting out into the harbour as a ship sprayed water cannons into the air in honour of Mr Smith.

Friends of Nick Smith lay wreaths at Bowline’s docking berth in tribute to the sailor, who died in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr Smith was killed just before 3am on December 27, when he was thrown into a winch while aboard the yacht Bowline in treacherous conditions in the Sydney Hobart race.

Crew members on Bowline performed CPR, but Mr Smith died from catastrophic head injuries.

The crew of Bowline. Left to right: Peter Hutchison, Anthony Pennington (front), Reid Bosward (red cap), Melanie Bushby, Troy Mohler (standing at the back), Nick Smith (seated at the front), Paul Senior (standing front right), and Paul Greaves (standing back right). Picture: Supplied

He is survived by his father, sister, children and grandchildren.

Mr Smith was born on August 10, 1959 in Sheffield, England, and arrived in Australia in early 1971.

He worked in the telecommunications industry for Telstra and Optus, and was a keen sailor, diver, and paraglider.

He competed in four Sydney Hobarts, several Adelaide Port Lincoln races, and the Clipper Around the World Race, and was involved in the SA powerboat community and at his local SES unit.

His death came three hours after 55-year-old WA man Roy Quaden was killed aboard Flying Fish Arctos.

The deaths were the first in the Sydney Hobart since six men lost their lives in the disastrous 1998 race.

An investigation by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is underway, with crew experience, weather conditions, and safety equipment all under the microscope. 

The review is expected to be delivered by May.