Like every year since 1945the regatta Sydney-Hobart starts every December 26 to tour some 630 nautical miles1,166 kilometers. With the starting point in Sydney, participants must reach the city of Hobart (Tasmania) in the shortest time possible. A competition in which weather conditions are key to the proper development of the journey.
Since its inauguration more than 70 years ago, the only time it could not be played was in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, this 2024 the event has saved two lives since it began this Thursday. It has occurred in separate accidents with the boat’s boom, as reported this Friday by the competition organization.
“Everyone is devastated” for what happened, said David Jacobs, in charge of the event. Both accidents happened last night in the middle of “difficult navigation conditions” by strong winds, he said.
“We always want improve security as much as possibleso we will carry out an investigation. And if there is anything that the boats can do to try to prevent this from happening, we will implement it,” Jacobs said, ensuring that the race continues.
For his part, the superintendent of the New South Wales region – whose capital is Sydney -, Joe McNulty, told the media that The deceased were 55 and 65 years old; and that the first accident occurred minutes before midnight on Thursday, while the second was recorded around 2:30 in the morning today.
The “tragic accidents” could have happened while “the sails were changing”. The boom is a part of the boat that attaches the sail to the mast. “It moved violently during the night in difficult sea conditions,” McNulty added.
On the other hand, the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneseexpressed his condolences for this tragedy in X. “The Sydney to Hobart race is an Australian tradition and it is heartbreaking that two lives were lost in what should be a time of joy. We send our love and deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones,” said the leader.
