‘Terrifying’: CYC defends sending fleet into ‘boat-breaking’ weather

The Cruising Yacht Club has defended the decision to send Sydney to Hobart competitors into “boat-breaking weather” as an investigation is underway into the overnight race tragedy.

The Cruising Yacht Club has defended the decision to send Sydney to Hobart competitors into “boat-breaking weather” after two sailors died in separate incidents during the first half of the race.

CYC Vice Commodore David Jacobs described the deaths of two sailors as a “tragedy” and said an investigation into exactly what happened is underway.

“We always want to improve safety wherever we can, so we will do an investigation,” he said.

“And if there’s something that boats can do to try and prevent this happening, we will implement that.”

Despite earlier forecasts for the race days being described as “boat-breaking weather” Mr Jacobs said the weather was “not extreme” and did not warrant the calling off of the race.

“It’s not an extreme forecast,” he said.

“The forecast was strong winds to gale-force winds.

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Vice Commodore David Jacobs described the incident as a “tragedy” and said an investigation into exactly what happened is underway. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“These fleets can handle those winds easily. They’re ocean racers. They’re used to those winds.

“It [is] not extremely vicious.”

A strong wind warning was in place on the coast last night, with wind speeds around 25–30 knots between Sydney and Ulladulla. Waves measuring two to three metres high were also recorded along some points of the race.

He said despite the tragedy, the race would continue.

“The race will not stop,” he said.

Mr Jacobs said while there were two deaths – there was one “good story” of survival.

A crew member was pulled from the pitch black waters after 3am this morning, after he fell overboard from the Tasmanian entry Porco Rosso, owned by Paul McCartney.

Flying Fish Arctos in dock at Jervis Bay after a crew member died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Credit: Nine News

Bowline at the start of the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

He drifted more than a kilometre from the boat, triggering a major search.

“This is one of ten most terrifying experiences you can have,” Mr Jacobs said.

“Fortunately they are healthy and well.”

So far, 17 yachts had withdrawn from the starting fleet of 104 that set off on Boxing Day.

“I am surprised we have lost a number of the bigger boats, Comanche, URM and Alive have pulled out,” Mr Jacobs said.

“These are contenders for line honours and the Tattersalls Cup [handicap].

“It is unusual to get so many of the larger boats pull out but it is usual to get a number of retirements.

“This is a very tough race and it tests man women and boat.”.

Originally published as ‘Terrifying’: CYC defends sending fleet into ‘boat-breaking’ weather