The Sydney to Hobart yacht race has paused, as the sailors pay tribute to the six people killed 20 years ago when treacherous conditions wiped out two-thirds of the fleet.

The fierce storm which hit participants of the 1998 race left a trail of death and destruction.

Six sailors were killed, 55 others were rescued by helicopter, 60 yachts retired and five sank.

Every crew member on every yacht in this year’s Sydney to Hobart race observed a moment of silence at 5pm to honour those who were lost in the tragedy.

Click PLAY below to hear more about the tribute

Macquarie Media’s Sydney to Hobart reporter Steve Barker joins Luke Grant with an update on this year’s race.

“This is the closest race we’ve had for line honours in decades,” he says.

Click PLAY below to hear an update on the 2018 Sydney to Hobart race