Crash gybes led to the deaths of two sailors taking part in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and to another sailor being thrown overboard.
The findings have been published in an independent review report commissioned by race organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) and chaired by Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould.
The CYCA says it has considered the findings in full and supports all recommendations made review.
AIS MOB devices will be made mandatory for The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA)’s category 1 and 2 races.
Helmets will remain optional for participants – the review states that helmets would be cumbersome and impede communication between crew members.
Satellite communication
Other recommendations will include a review and clarifion of satellite communication requirements, including publishing an approved list of acceptable satellite phone systems.
CYCA will also provide Australian Sailing with information to support updates to the Sea Safety and Survival Course (SSSC), including lessons from the MOB recovery and increased awareness of boom brakes, preventers and harness release systems.
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race started on December 26 2024 with 104 boats participating.
The forecast had included a gale warning for the 628 nautical mile race.
Two men – Roy Quaden (55) and 65-year-old Nick Smith died within the first 24 hours of the race after separate incidents on board their yachts.
Roy was found to have died after a crash gybe during a fairly routine sail adjustment. The review stated he appeared to have been struck by the boom and was believed to have died instantly.
Crash gybe
Nick also died as a result of another crash gybe when he was caught in the bight of the mainsheet and forced against a mailsail winch.
Another sailor – Luke Watkins – spent 50 minutes in the water after falling overboard during a crash gybe before he was rescued.
“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,” said the review.
The race also included three other serious injuries and three boats lost their masts.
In a statement, the CYCA said: “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.
“The Club will implement the review committee’s recommendations.”
