Two sailors who died in the Sydney to Hobart embraced the spirit of adventure of the ocean race and will "forever be crew".
Family, friends, fellow sailors and members of the public paused to remember Nick Smith and Roy Quaden at a memorial in Hobart on Tuesday.
On a rough first night of racing, 65-year-old Mr Smith hit his head on a winch aboard Bowline after being thrown across the yacht when he was struck by the main sheet.
Western Australia's Mr Quaden, 55, was on Flying Fish Arctos when he was hit by the boat's boom - a pole along the bottom of a sail.
Crew members attempted CPR at sea but neither could be saved.
Two wreaths were placed at Constitution Dock, where Mr Smith and Mr Quaden would have set foot after finishing the 628 nautical mile event.
"We gather with heavy hearts to honour two cherished members of our sailing community," Sam Haynes, commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race organiser, said.
"Both men embraced the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines our sport.
"We extend our deepest condolences to Nick’s son and daughter, Roy’s wife and two daughters.
"(As well as) their extended families, their friends, their fellow crew members and all those in our sailing community who feel this profound loss."
Mr Smith, who was a member of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, has been described as an experienced and down-to-earth sailor.
Around-the-world solo sailor Jessica Watson was among the solemn and teary crowd at Constitution Dock.
"May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails and guide you to peaceful waters," Dr Haynes said.
"You will forever be part of our crew, carried by the tides of love and memory."
Police will investigate the deaths, which occurred off the NSW south coast, and prepare a report for the coroner which could trigger an inquiry.
Sydney to Hobart race organisers have pledged a targeted review, which could lead to recommendations for safety reforms.
Widespread changes to race protocols were implemented after the 1998 event in which six sailors died in wild storms.
Organisers said conditions for the 2024 race, which included winds of up to 40 knots, were in line with the pre-race forecast.
There was also the dramatic rescue of Luke Watkins who spent about 30 minutes in the water in darkness after being washed off Porco Rosso.
Celebrations were subdued for line honours winner supermaxi yacht LawConnect, as well as overall handicap victor Celestial V70.
Conditions calmed after a tough opening night - there have been 30 retirements from a starting fleet of 104 yachts, with six remaining at sea at 2pm on Tuesday.
