Oceanic yacht racing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
[1] It was particularly dangerous in the early days, when oceanic racing was more like early mountain climbing in terms of sense of adventure and achievement.
Modern safety and communication equipment has improved safety; however, like any sport in the natural environment, risk is always present.
In many races, participants have changed from amateur explorers to professional athletes.
Kevin Eric Rudolph (USA), 53 William Reed Johnson Jr. (USA), 57 Joseph Lester Stewart (USA), 64