This is the story of Bowline.
The 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world’s most iconic offshore sailing events, was marked by tragedy this year with the death of Nick Smith, a highly experienced crew member aboard Bowline. A seasoned sailor with a distinguished record—including two legs of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race—Smith was fatally injured in the early hours of 28 December during a violent gybe in testing offshore conditions.
Bowline, a robust and proven design, was well-prepared for the 2024 RSHYR. The yacht had competed in the 2021 and 2022 editions, and the owner was actively involved in South Australia’s offshore circuit. As in previous years, the team completed their qualifying passage by delivering the boat from Adelaide, adhering to the boat’s policy that anyone racing in the Hobart must take part in the delivery voyage. While prior years had delivered wilder seas, the 2024 race presented its own challenges.
Following the Boxing Day start, Bowline enjoyed a strong early run down the New South Wales coast under a newly purchased, heavy-weather spinnaker. That changed after dark when the spinnaker sheet clip failed. With winds building to 31–32 knots, the crew dropped the kite and put in two reefs overnight. The headsail proved ineffective and was dropped by 10pm. By then, the yacht was sailing under double-reefed main only.
At 11pm, a crew member suffered a bicep injury and was taken below. While retirement was considered, the skipper decided to continue racing towards Eden along the rhumb line, pending a reassessment at daybreak.
Conditions continued to deteriorate. Winds strengthened to a steady 35–38 knots with gusts peaking at 42. The sea state was chaotic—large following seas mixed with confused cross-swells. With no moon and thick cloud cover, visibility was non-existent. The yacht maintained a 150–160 degree true wind angle and was considered under control, though helming was demanding. Drivers rotated every 30–40 minutes.
At 2am, during a watch change, the crew decided to gybe the boat back onto port tack. Smith, who had just come off watch, chose to check either the mainsheet traveller or the backstay while the boat settled on its new heading. He was kneeling on the cockpit floor forward of the traveller when the yacht was struck by a cross sea, likely on the starboard quarter. The force of the wave threw the stern through the wind, resulting in an accidental crash gybe. The mainsail swung violently from starboard to port, and Smith was caught in the bight of the mainsheet. He was slammed into the port mainsail winch with devastating force.
The crew responded immediately, pulling Smith from the winch and initiating CPR. Two Royal Australian Air Force members onboard, both with advanced first aid training, attempted to revive him. Tragically, their efforts were unsuccessful.
A Mayday was sent and acknowledged by nearby yachts and the NSW Police vessel Nemesis. Communications relayed by Flat White ensured Race Control was informed. Bowline altered course to Batemans Bay. Though supported throughout, the crew could do nothing more for their fallen shipmate.
Smith’s death is a sombre reminder of the risks that offshore sailors face. Even aboard a well-prepared yacht with experienced crew, nature can exact a heavy toll.
The night that changed everything: Flying Fish Arctos and the 2024 Sydney to Hobart tragedy
Note: The following article is based on details published in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024 Review Committee Report, dated 15 May 2025.
CYCA releases independent safety review after tragic 2024 Sydney Hobart
