Cruising Yacht Club Australia releases statement on Sydney to Hobart yacht race fatalities

Cruising Yacht Club Australia has released a statement following the death of two occupants from separate yachts participating in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart race.

Race organisers Cruising Yacht Club Australia, said Flying Fish Arctos was "sailing approximately 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) east/south-east of Ulladulla when the incident occurred.

"Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not revive their fellow crew.

"Bowline was approximately 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay and crew members administered CPR. A short time later officers from the Marine Area Command were informed that CPR had been unsuccessful.

"As these incidents are being dealt with by the Water Police and all family members are yet to be contacted, we cannot provide further details at this stage.

"Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased."

Cruising Yacht Club Australia noted that Flying Fish Arctos has a "crew of trainees" on board noting "this year's crew will include a number of veterans from previous years, as well as an international crew of trainees competing in the race as a personal challenge."

Race listings for Bowline showed a crew of seven plus "skipper and navigator” while Flying Fish Arctos is listed as "the flagship yacht in the Flying Fish offshore training fleet" with a crew of 10 plus "skipper and navigator".