In the aftermath of the tragic loss of two sailors during the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, organizers have provided new details regarding the circumstances of one of the deaths. Contrary to initial reports, Australia’s Nick Smith was not struck by a sail boom but was instead hit by a mainsheet, leading to a fatal accident.
Investigators revealed that the powerful impact of the mainsheet—a line used to control the angle of the mainsail—threw Smith across the vessel. He tragically hit his head on a winch, which led to his death.
“Nick is a very experienced sailor. We thought that he had been hit by the boom, as had Roy [Quadsen], but we’ve now learned that that actually wasn’t the case,” said David Jacobs, Vice Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. “He was hit by the mainsheet, and the mainsheet threw him across the boat. And unfortunately, he hit his head on the winch, and that’s what killed him.”
The incident marks the first fatalities in the prestigious race since 1998, prompting the sailing community to reflect on safety practices and the inherent risks of the sport. The organizers are working closely with maritime authorities to investigate the accidents and to consider any necessary safety enhancements for future events.
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Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race organizers say Smith was hit by mainsheet
cgtn.com
