A tribute to two men who died in the Sydney to Hobart is being planned by race organisers who will canvass the opinions of experienced sailors as part of a review.
South Australian Nick Smith, 65, and 55-year-old Western Australian Roy Quaden were killed at sea in separate incidents on the first day of racing.
Smith hit his head on a winch after being thrown across Bowline, while Quaden was struck on the head by the boom of Flying Fish Arctos.
Celebrations have been tempered on shore in Hobart, with line honours winner LawConnect opting to not hold traditional dockside champagne festivities.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which organises the race, says an annual review of the event will have a specific focus on the deaths.
"Whilst we are in Hobart we want to recognise and remember those sailors who were tragically killed," yacht club vice-commodore David Jacobs said on Sunday.
"As you appreciate, we need to speak to the families first before we determine what this looks like."
Jacobs, who said weather conditions for strong winds were as forecast, said the review could result in recommendations and potential changes to safety protocols.
Smith, an experienced off-shore sailor, has been remembered as "down-to-earth" by the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron.
The deaths are the first in the Sydney to Hobart since six sailors perished in 1998, prompting an overhaul of race procedures.
Skipper of LawConnect Christian Beck and skipper of provisional overall honours winner Celestial V70, Sam Haynes, who is also commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, support a review.
"Anything that happens of (that) nature needs to be looked at," Haynes said.
"There are a lot of very experienced racers out there that will have input into any investigation.
"There will be all sorts of options for expert advice."
Helmets are not compulsory for sailors in the race, but Haynes said his yacht carries one for crew making trips up the mast.
Police are also investigating the deaths, which occurred off the NSW south coast, and will prepare a report for the coroner which could result in a coronial inquest.
Of the 104-strong Boxing Day starting fleet, 12 had crossed the finish line at 4pm on Sunday, with 62 at sea and 30 retirements.
Jacobs said the mood was more muted at the waterfront in Hobart, where finishing boats are moored.
"Everybody I’ve spoken to, almost the first thing they’ve said to me is ‘what a terrible tragedy’," he said.
"It is inevitable in an ocean race of this kind, one of the toughest ocean races in the world, there is risk and things happen.
"We all accept that when we take on that challenge. But when those risks result in what we’ve seen, we all feel it."
