The following details are based on the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024 Review Committee Report (May 2025.)
The fleet had barely cleared the Heads when the forecasted weather system began to assert itself. While the official Bureau of Meteorology outlook had warned of strengthening nor’easterlies giving way to a strong to gale-force south-westerly change, many crews noted that conditions deteriorated more quickly than anticipated. Winds intensified into the high 30s and low 40s (in knots), and the sea state grew confused and complex, with swell from multiple directions and limited moonlight making it nearly impossible to read the water ahead.
By 10pm on 26 December, incidents began to be reported. The first major call came from URM, which had dismasted and was cutting away its rigging. Shortly after, Quetzalcoatl reported a serious head injury after a boom strike. Not long later, Philosopher also reported a dismasting. These mechanical and injury reports quickly escalated into far more serious developments. Around 11:43pm, a Mayday call was relayed from Flying Fish Arctos via Oroton Drumfire, who were nearby and able to maintain contact with Race Control. It soon became clear this wasn’t a routine injury — a crew member aboard Arctos, Roy Quaden, had suffered a massive blow to the head and was unresponsive. AMSA provided remote medical guidance, while nearby boats like Wings and Poulpito stood by, prepared to assist with equipment or evacuation if required. Despite every effort, Quaden could not be revived. At midnight, the boat confirmed his death and retired from the race, heading toward Jervis Bay to rendezvous with NSW Police.
The night that changed everything: Flying Fish Arctos and the 2024 Sydney to Hobart tragedy
Meanwhile, other boats were also struggling. Within an hour, both Comanche and Wild Oats had retired — a telling sign, given the pedigree of both campaigns. Around 2:15am, Bowline issued another Mayday, this time relayed by Flat White, reporting that a crew member, Nick Smith, was unresponsive. CPR was underway as the boat made for Batemans Bay. Tragically, Smith also passed away before reaching shore.
The night that changed everything: Bowline and the 2024 Sydney to Hobart tragedy
While the race community was still reeling from the news of two fatalities, another emergency was unfolding. At 3:07am, Porco Rosso reported a PLB activation, initially believed to be inadvertent. But just four minutes later, they confirmed it was a genuine man overboard. Crew member Luke Watkins had fallen into the sea in the pitch dark. Thanks to his PLB and AIS beacon, the boat was able to locate him, turn back, and recover him from the water by 4:00am. He had been overboard for more than 50 minutes — cold, wet, but alive.
Porco Rosso: Midnight MOB in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart
In total, 14 yachts retired within the first 24 hours. Three boats were dismasted. Multiple injuries were reported. And still, the race continued for those who managed to push through. Communications during this period were tested. Despite advances in technology — including the increasing use of satellite phones — some boats couldn’t be reached during crucial skeds. The HF radio network, while still a vital part of offshore communications, revealed its limitations once again. The role of the Race Operations Centre became critical, with CYCA’s Ross Mannering leading the watch through the long night.
Behind the scenes, the coordination between CYCA, AMSA, NSW Police, and participating boats was efficient and calm, even in the face of tragedy. The decision-making by yachts responding to distress calls was praised by the Race Chairman, who noted how professional and prompt the support was from fellow competitors.
Weather-wise, the reports from crews painted a picture of conditions that matched the forecast in essence but delivered their punch earlier than many expected. Wind direction veered as predicted, but it was the rapid build-up in pressure and the disorganised sea state that caught some off guard. Some described the waves as having “no backs,” likely a combination of wind-against-current dynamics and confused swell patterns influenced by eddies along the NSW coast. Others, particularly those further offshore, experienced significantly rougher conditions than those who stayed closer to land. The lack of moonlight added to the difficulty, with helmsmen blind to the water in front of them, making even experienced crews feel the strain.
Interestingly, not every account was negative. Some veterans described the first afternoon as “some of the best sailing” they’d experienced — fast, relatively flat, and exhilarating. But the tone shifted markedly once night fell, and fatigue, darkness, and escalating conditions began to take their toll.
Read: CYCA releases independent safety review after tragic 2024 Sydney Hobart
The 2024 edition of the Sydney Hobart will be remembered not just for the tragedies, but also for the discipline and support demonstrated by race management and fellow competitors. Offshore racing has always carried risk, but each incident is an opportunity to improve the culture, protocols, and equipment that keep sailors safe on the edge of the Southern Ocean.
