Sydney to Hobart: Yachts to scatter rose petals off the coast of Bondi Beach to pay honour victims

A group of 15 yachts will scatter rose petals off the coast of Bondi Beach during this year’s Sydney to Hobart race in memory of the 15 lives lost during the Bondi terror attack.

Organisers announced details of the tribute at Wednesday’s race briefing, held in Darling Point only five kilometres away from the site of Australia’s worst terror attack.

“Going past Bondi, 15 boats will spread some petals into the ocean at the point,” said Sam Haynes, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Commodore.

“I also would like to ask that if anyone else would like to do the same, please join and make the same tribute.

The CYCA has opted against publishing an official list of the boats taking part.

But it’s understood overall honours contender Ambition, American yacht Bacchanal, first-time entrant Back 2 Black, reigning overall winner Celestial V70 and the fleet’s oldest boat Maritimo Katwinchar are among those involved.

The CYCA is expected to release a statement on the tribute closer to the start of the 80th Sydney to Hobart, which begins on Boxing Day.

Line honours favourite Master Lock Comanche is co-skippered by two eastern suburbs residents who were shocked when they heard news of the attack on Sydney’s Jewish community two Sundays ago.

“Everyone was very worried,” said Comanche co-skipper Matt Allen.

Allen is the vice-president of the Australian Olympic Committee and helped organise a tribute for the AOC last week.

“We went down with a large group of Jewish and non-Jewish Olympians last Friday and had a service there, and then a brunch to really show our support for the victims, the entire community,” he said.

“We know that sport can bring together a community, both within Australia, and also the Olympic movement globally can do that. We’re very conscious of that. It was a very heartfelt occasion.”