Nick Smith,Roy Quaden Obituary, Death; – The identities of the two participants who tragically lost their lives in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by sail booms have been confirmed.
Nick Smith and Roy Quaden were both fatally injured just hours apart when they were hit by the boom, a large horizontal pole located at the base of the mainsail. Quaden, aged 55, was on board the Flying Fish Arctos when the incident occurred shortly before 11:50 PM on Thursday.
The accident is believed to have taken place approximately 30 nautical miles east/southeast of Ulladulla, New South Wales. Despite the efforts of fellow crew members who administered CPR, Quaden, who hailed from Western Australia, could not be revived.
Shortly after, at around 2 AM on Friday, Smith, aged 65 and from South Australia, was also struck by a boom while aboard his yacht, Bowline. Reports indicate that he was hit as Bowline was sailing approximately 30 nautical miles east/northeast of Batemans Bay, New South Wales.
Superintendent Joseph McNulty noted that the boom was “moving around violently” and that Smith sustained “significant head injuries.” His crew members also attempted CPR, but unfortunately, he could not be saved. Following the incidents, both yachts adjusted their courses, heading towards Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay on the New South Wales South Coast.
Smith has been fondly remembered as a “very fine and experienced yachtsman” by the Skipper and crew of Bowline. In their statement, they explained that Smith was struck during a sailing maneuver and subsequently thrown against a winch.
“Nick was a highly valued crew member and an experienced sailor, having completed four previous Sydney Hobart races, numerous yacht deliveries, and participated in the around-the-world Clipper Race Yacht race,” the crew remarked.
“He was also a regular competitor in the Hamilton Island Sailing Regatta. The Skipper and crew of Bowline are devastated by this loss, having sailed many thousands of miles with Nick.” Smith had been a member of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron since 2013.
