Memorial held to honour Sydney to Hobart sailors Nick Smith and Roy Quaden

A memorial has been held in Hobart to honour the two sailors who died in this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Transcript

00:00Hundreds of people gathered here on Hobart's waterfront for what was a very sombre and

00:07emotional memorial service.

00:09Wreaths were laid on a pontoon for the sailors Roy Quaden and Nick Smith who suffered fatal

00:14head injuries on the first night of the race as the fleet was making its way down the New

00:19South Wales south coast.

00:21Connections of the two men scattered flowers into the water before a minute's silence was

00:25held followed by the tolling of a bell.

00:28The Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia described the men as two cherished

00:33members of the sailing community saying that both embodied the spirit of courage that defines

00:39the sport.

00:40Fair winds and following seas dear friends may a gentle breeze forever fill your sails

00:46and guide you to peaceful waters.

00:51May your spirits now be free to roam the eternal ocean where the sky meets the sea and every

00:58journey is endless.

01:00You will forever be part of our crew carried by the tides of love and memory.

01:09Rest in peace Nick and Roy.

01:12Almost 70 yachts have now completed the gruelling race but a handful are still making their

01:17way down the east coast of Tasmania with the last expected to finish on New Year's Day.