Emotional tribute for Sydney to Hobart sailors Nick Smith, Roy Quaden Constitution Dock
Tears rolled unchecked down the sunburnt faces of Sydney to Hobart sailors as they honoured two men killed at sea in a fatal 2024 race which has triggered an outpouring of emotion.
“You will forever be part of our crew.”
They were the words delivered during an emotional tribute to the two sailors killed at sea in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart.
With six yachts still racing and 30 retired, family members and connections of the two sailors — Nick Smith and Roy Quaden — flew to Hobart to be part of the tribute where wreaths were laid on Constitution Dock and petals thrown into the water by fellow sailors.
A minute’s silence was then observed by sailors and locals who came to the dock to honour the men.
“May your spirits now be free to roam the eternal ocean where the sky meets the sea,’’ read CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes.
“You will forever be part of our crew carried by the rides of love and memory.’’
Tears rolled unchecked down the sunburnt faces of Sydney to Hobart sailors as they stopped to honour the two men killed at sea in a fatal 2024 race which has triggered an outpouring of emotion.
“Both men embraced the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines our sportl,’’ Haynes said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Nick’s son and daughter, Roy’s wife and two daughters, their extended families, their friends, their fellow crew members and all those in our sailing community who feel this profound loss.
“As we bid farewell, let us take a moment to reflect on their courage, their passion for the sea and the joy they found in the endless horizon..
“Fair winds and following seas dear friends, may a gentle breeze forever fill your sails and guide you to peaceful waters.”
The memorial evoked memories of the tribute after the deadly 1998 race when thousands of shocked sailors and upset families, friends and locals stood in the dock for a ceremony involving a sailor’s prayer and a wreath being tossed into the dock.
The image of this wreath against the bow of a yacht with its race number torn is to this day one of the most endearing of the aftermath of the race.
Race organisers will canvas input from sailing veterans as part of a review into the deaths of South Australian Nick Smith, 65, and Western Australia Australian sailor Roy Quaden, 55, who were killed at sea in separate incidences on the yachts Bowline and Flying Fish Arctos respectively.
Since the tragedy celebrations dockside have been muted with Christian Beck‘s LawConnect opting to put champagne celebrations on ice in respect.
“There are a lot of very experienced racers out there that will have input into any investigation,“ say Commodore Sam Haynes, who steered Celestial 70 to the overall victory in the race as the tragedy was being played out.
“There will be all sorts of options for expert advice.’’
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Sailors at large have expressed their grief and upset at the loss of life in the race while backing any review to find ways to help prevent a repeat of the accidents.
Many became emotional when talking about hearing the news of the deaths.
“This is like a brotherhood and even if you don’t know them they are a sailor and they are doing something that we all love,” said LawConnect’s Chris Nicholson.
Originally published as Emotional tribute for Sydney to Hobart sailors Nick Smith, Roy Quaden Constitution Dock
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