As we reported earlier in the week, the Sydney to Hobart race fleet will be holding a tribute for the victims of the Bondi terror attack as the fleet passes the beach today.
Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Sam Haynes had originally announced that 15 boats would take part in the tribute, which will involve scattering rose petals in the water as the boats pass Bondi, for the 15 victims of the attack. But this morning, Haynes said there has been an overwhelming response from race participants who would also like to show their respect.
Boxes of roses are left at the start of the dock for race participants to take with them and scatter as the fleet passes Bondi. Credit: Billie Eder
The club now expects the entire fleet to take part in the tribute. This is what Haynes had to say this morning.
“The tribute that we mentioned for the tragic events in Bondi on Sunday 14th has been very well received by the Jewish community, but also internationally recognised,” he said.
Loading
“Thank you to the people who would also like to make a tribute, and there’s some rose petals at the back [of the club]. We actually have an abundance, Mr Roses [business] actually supplied extra in case we wanted them, which I think we do, if anyone would like to pick up some and scatter as we pass Bondi.
Haynes announced the tribute at the weather briefing on Wednesday, and had invited other skippers to join the 15 boats.
Haynes said the commemoration was for “members of the Jewish community, and our community who unfortunately were killed in the terrorist attack on that day.”
