Sydney to Hobart yacht race review releases findings after deaths of Roy Quaden and Nick Smith

An independent review into last year's tragic Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which resulted in the deaths of two sailors, says helmets should remain optional for participants.

A total of 104 boats set off from Sydney Harbour on December 26 ahead of a challenging weather forecast, including a gale warning, in the 79th edition of the 628 nautical mile race.

By the end of the first night, two men — 55-year-old Roy Quaden and 65-year-old Nick Smith — had died in separate incidents on board their yachts.

Another sailor, Luke Watkins, was rescued after spending 50 minutes in the water after falling overboard.

Three other serious injuries occurred during the night, while three boats were de-masted and 14 others were forced to retire.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) subsequently commissioned an independent review to investigate the circumstances and consider potential safety improvements.

The review committee was chaired by Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould and involved input from more than 40 people, including race participants and experts.

'Crash gybes' caused deaths

The committee found Quaden's death happened after a "crash gybe" — an uncontrolled, violent flicking of the mainsail — on Flying Fish Arctos shortly before midnight.

"For an unknown reason, the boat 'crash gybed' during a fairly routine sail adjustment albeit in strong wind conditions and difficult seas," the committee said in its report.

The committee said it appeared Quaden had been struck by the boom during the crash gybe.

"[He] is believed to have been killed instantly and even though there was very experienced first aid available on board, there was nothing that could be done to save his life."

The death of Smith occurred shortly after 2am, when another crash gybe took place on his yacht, Bowline.

"Nick was caught in the bight of the mainsheet during the gybe and his chest was forced against the port mainsail winch with great force and catastrophic consequences," the committee said.

While first-aid was available on board, the committee said it was immediately apparent there was nothing that could be done to save Smith.

Less than an hour after the two fatalities, Watkins, who was captain on Porco Rosso, fell overboard following another crash gybe.

During the incident, Watkins was forced to activate his harness release system after running out of breath while caught underwater.

While he was able to reach the surface and breathe, he was no longer tethered to the vessel.

As the boat drifted away, he activated two locator beacons, including one that allowed his crew members to track him and eventually retrieve him.

"Possibly the two most critical steps to saving Luke's life were the harness release system that allowed him to free himself from the boat and not be drowned, plus the AIS MOB (Automatic Identification System Man Overboard) beacon to guide the boat back to his actual position in the water," the committee said.

Recommendations 'will make it a safer sport'

The committee was asked to examine a range of potential safety options, including equipment such as helmets.

The committee found that while helmets might help prevent minor injuries, they would likely do little to prevent catastrophic injuries caused by fast-swinging booms on large boats in heavy weather conditions.

"The tragic loss of Roy Quaden from a head injury and Nick Smith from a compression of his chest serves as a powerful reminder of the risk and the need to take particular care in the type of conditions that prevailed," it said.

It said helmets would also be cumbersome and impede communication between crew members.

It said they should remain optional, dependent on an individual's preference or any specific requirements on an individual boat.

The committee also recommended mandatory use of "AIS MOB beacons" for all sailors while on deck, to make it easier for crew members to locate anyone who falls overboard.

It also recommended 50 per cent of all crews have a certain level of experience before taking part in the race.

In a statement, the CYCA described the review as a "comprehensive and thoughtful".

It said it would implement the recommendations.

"The CYCA has always prided itself on being a leader in offshore racing safety — committed to continuous improvement, transparency and knowledge-sharing across the sailing community," it said.

"These measures form part of the CYCA's commitment to setting the highest standards in offshore race management and safety."

Paul McCartney, the owner and skipper of Porco Rosso, welcomed the recommendations.

"I think the steps taken will make it a safer sport yet," he told the ABC.