LONDON, England (CNN) -- It doesn't have the brutality of rugby or the physical intimidation of a boxing match, yet sailing is still one of the most dangerous sports in the world.



Capsized: This French catamaran flipped near New Zealand while attempting to win the Jules Verne Trophy.



This danger is never more evident than in the epic Volvo Ocean Race.



The round-the-world event which begins this month in Alicante, Spain, always throws up its fair share of drama as the crews face all types of conditions right through to the race finish around July 2009.



To give an idea of the extreme dangers this year's crews will face over the coming nine months, here is a look at some of the worst tragedies to strike yacht racing.



There's no question about it: this is no sport for the faint-hearted.



September 2008 Régates Royales-Trophée Panerai Death toll: One



Wilfrid Tolhurst was killed during the famous Régates Royales-Trophée Panerai yacht race off Cannes that sees the major classic yachts in the Mediterranean gather.



Skippering the eight-meter yacht, Safir, in the coastal race, Tolhurst was struck by the boat's falling mast that broke off under the impact of a collision with another boat, Rowdy. Although rescue crews reacted quickly to bring the skipper ashore, nothing could be done to save his life.



A police inquiry is currently in progress to determine the cause of the incident.



September 2008 Sean Whiston Perpetual Cup Race Death toll: One



Kenneth Jones (46) lost his life while sailing in a race from Wicklow to the Poolbeg Yacht Club in Dublin, Ireland.



It was not clear what caused the incident, however, a mayday was issued by the yacht Allanah, stating that there was 'a man in the water.'



Jones was lifted from the water and transferred to Tallaght Hospital where he later died.



May 2006 Volvo Ocean Race Death toll: One



During the seventh leg of the race Hans Horrevoets, 32, of The Netherlands was swept overboard from ABN Amro Two in heavy seas. Although he was recovered from the water, attempts to resuscitate him were not successful.



The savage storm that hit the fleet could easily have claimed more lives.



The crew of Movistar abandoned ship after the aft end of their keel pivot broke away from their hull in the night -- less than 48 hours after Horrevoets died. The crew transferred to ABN Amro Two which had been standing by and was escorted by HMS Mersey back to land.



December 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race Death toll: Six



One of the saddest events in yachting history began at Sydney Harbor on December 26, 1998, when the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race set off.



Fierce storms and violent winds battered the 115-strong fleet in the famously tough event off the eastern coast of Australia and only 44 boats made it to the finish line at Hobart.



Met by the massive storms, five boats sank, 66 boats retired from the race, six sailors died, and 55 sailors were taken off their yachts, most by helicopter.



Among those who died were; Mike Bannister (Winston Churchill), Glyn Charles (Sword of Orion), John Dean (Winston Churchill), Bruce Guy (Business Post Naiad), Jim Lawler (Winston Churchill), Phillip Skeggs (Business Post Naiad).



The vessels; Winston Churchill, VC Offshore Stand Aside, Sword of Orion, Miintinta, and Midnight Special all sank.



1989 Whitbread Round the World Race Death toll: One



Competing boat Creighton's Naturally suffered a serious broach in the early hours of one morning during the second leg of the race, at about three in the morning.



Crew members Anthony (Tony) Philips and Bart van den Dwey were swept over board. Both were pulled back on deck and although Van den Dwey was successfully resuscitated, after three hours of trying, crew members could not revive Philips. Several days later, by radio agreement with his relatives, Philips was buried at sea.



December 1989 Sydney to Hobart Race Death toll: One



Peter Taylor
How recently have sailors died? What contest starts in Alicantes in October? What is taking place in Alicantes, Spain in October? What began in Spain? Sailors have died in what as recently as September?
September 2008 Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo Ocean Race. sailing
question: How recently have sailors died?, answer: September 2008 | question: What contest starts in Alicantes in October?, answer: Volvo Ocean Race. | question: What is taking place in Alicantes, Spain in October?, answer: Volvo Ocean Race. | question: What began in Spain?, answer: Volvo Ocean Race. | question: Sailors have died in what as recently as September?, answer: sailing