It was tough conditions, probably the toughest time of the eleven I've participated in, said Tony Mutter, one of those who led the crew on the winning boat.
They were met by gale-force winds, stormy weather, high seas, and treacherous currents not long after the start from Sydney on Boxing Day.
But we still managed pretty well. It wasn't much that broke and the crew is okay. Of course, we have some bruises and marks, added Mutter.
The two men, 55 and 65, who died on the way down both died of head injuries after accidents on two other boats in the harsh weather. One of them got hit on the head by the boom, the other was thrown overboard and hit his head on a winch.
Another man fell overboard from a third boat, also at night, but was found alive. He was hypothermic but still in good condition and has been able to tell what he's been through.
It was the first time since the dark year of 1998 that participants died. That year, a deep low-pressure system moved in when the boats passed Bass Strait. Six men died and 55 crew members had to be rescued from the sea. Five boats sank.
