A tragic turn of events has cast a shadow over the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, as two sailors have lost their lives in separate accidents. According to New South Wales Police, one crew member was fatally struck by a sail boom just before midnight. Despite fellow crew members’ desperate attempts at CPR, the individual could not be revived.
Only two hours later, another crew member on a different yacht suffered the same fate, also being hit by a sail boom and succumbing to the injury. The names of the yachts involved have not been disclosed by police.
In the wake of these incidents, seven yachts have retired from the race, including the favored Master Lock Comanche. The super maxi, known for holding the race record and previously clinching line honors four times, withdrew after suffering damage to its main sail while leading off the southern coast of New South Wales.
Currently, LawConnect, which narrowly missed the top position against Comanche last year by just 51 seconds, has taken the lead in the race.
