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Two sailors have been killed during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid a night of tough weather conditions that hit the fleet.

Two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that left line honours favourite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements.

The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail.

The incident aboard Flying Fish Arctos occurred around 30nm east-south esat of Ulladulla on the NSW south coast.

Crew members attempted CPR but could not revive their teammate.

The crew member aboard Bowline was struck approximately 30nm east/north-east of Batemans Bay and fell unconscious, with CPR also unsuccessful.

"Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased," the CYCA said in a statement.

"Further information will be provided as it becomes available."

The deaths come 26 years after six sailors were killed in storms during the tragic 1998 running of the race, which triggered a NSW coronial inquest and mass reforms to the safety protocols that govern the race.