Champagne corks often pop and loud, boisterous cheers are usually heard around Constitution Dock when the Sydney to Hobart line honors winner finishes in the Tasmanian state capital.

Two sailors have been killed in separate incidents in the treacherous Sydney to Hobart yacht race, officials said on Friday, as a string of yachts retired in powerful winds and high seas.

Two sailors die after poor weather conditions plague annual competition - Nick Smith, 65, and 55-year-old Roy Quaden, who were competing on separate boats, have lost their lives amid poor weather cond