Sydney Hobart 24, well underway.

Refueler said:
I personally dislike threads / posts like this.

People have died and I wish for more Respect.

Sorry but that is my position on this. I hope this 'thread' stops.
Click to expand...
You have posted your opinion on two separate threads. This thread started with the start of the race, and as the race committee have made clear the race continues, so should this thread.
Indeed, the race committee (presumably with the agreement of the families) have released more information on the tragic incidents - including that one of the incidents was due to being struck by the mainsheet, not the boom. Sadly this is the cause of many such sad accidents. There is no need to read if people do not wish to, but this was the official item Update On Two Crew Members Killed in Tragic Accidents During Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
 
Snowgoose-1 said:
That's terrible.
Isn't it about time the rule makers set a minimum height for a boom ?
Click to expand...
I think that a minimum height above the cockpit floor is a very good idea but would not save crewmembers on the coamings or near the rail on some boat designs. I think that boom brakes that limit the speed that the boom can swing across the boat in a gybe are called for. I had one on my cruising boat, and it was a good safety feature even if it did limit the speed at which the boat went through a gybe and would cost a race boat a few seconds, which is a small price to prevent a tragedy.
 
dunedin said:
You have posted your opinion on two separate threads. This thread started with the start of the race, and as the race committee have made clear the race continues, so should this thread.
Indeed, the race committee (presumably with the agreement of the families) have released more information on the tragic incidents - including that one of the incidents was due to being struck by the mainsheet, not the boom. Sadly this is the cause of many such sad accidents. There is no need to read if people do not wish to, but this was the official item Update On Two Crew Members Killed in Tragic Accidents During Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Click to expand...
The article at your link says both were hit by the boom, with no mention of the mainsheet.
Roy Quaden 55, from Western Australia, was a crew member on Flying Fish Arctos (NSW). It is understood he was struck by the yacht’s boom during an incident which occurred overnight approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla NSW. Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not revive him.

Nick Smith 65, from South Australia, was a crew member on Bowline (SA). It is understood he was also struck by that yacht’s boom as Bowline was sailing approximately 30nm east/north-east of Batemans Bay. Crew members also administered CPR which was unsuccessful. Update On Two Crew Members Killed in Tragic Accidents During Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Click to expand...
Let's hope that article and multiple other news outlets get updated with your information about the mainsheet, not the boom, being involved in one of the incidents.
 
Last edited:
I too don't think there's anything disrespectful in what's been posted. In many ways it'd be even less respectful to enforce silence and try and pretend that it didn't happen. Two people died - the least we can do in their memory is try to understand why and whether we could stop it happening again.
 
I will not wear a helmet; not inshore.., not offshore.., not anywhere whilst sailing.

It's one thing for AC boats, where races last 20 minutes, but offshore i can be on watch or just on deck for hours.

Besides the discomfort, I think it would reduce my situational awareness quite significantly.
 
The deaths are unfortunate, but these incidents are statistically rare, and probably don't require new regulation.

the more surprising thing is over 1/4 of the fleet retiring.

Sure; it was rough and windy.., but still...
 
Two races I participated in had fatalities.

In the first (a head injury), we were nearby and rendered assistance - mostly help with communications.

In the second (a MOB), we were not that close, and other boats stood by, although the body was recovered by the boat he fell off of. I followed events on the VHF.

It is definitely a bit sobering to be involved in these events, but to some extent it comes with the territory.

We can't make ocean racing 100% safe.

I am regularly required to re-take my in-the-water safety at sea class, and i'm fine with that.

The list of required safety gear and safety practices grows all the time, which is a bit annoying. Some of it is good, but some things I don't agree with.

I have read that the successful MOB recovery in this Sydney-Hobart was in part aided by the AIS MOB beacon, from over a mile away. I hope we get to read more about that.

I am lucky to be able to race on well built and well prepared boats, with experienced and skilled crew, and I think that is the best way to stay safe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top