Two Killed In Treacherous Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race

New South Wales police said the boat crews had notified them of the two deaths during the night (Credit: AFP)

Two sailors have been killed in separate incidents in the treacherous Sydney to Hobart bluewater classic, organisers said Friday, as a string of yachts limped out of a race fleet battered by powerful winds.

Both crew members -- on Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline -- were hit by booms as the yachts raced southwards along the New South Wales coast after setting off from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day.