The tragedy in the Sydney to Hobart race has underlined the dangers of ocean yacht racing.

Several sailors perished and a huge rescue operation had to be launched when ferocious storms hit a fleet of more than 100 vessels. Despite improvements in technology and the skill and bravery of rescuers, lives have been lost.

The incident put rescue crews in peril and will have cost a great deal of money.

But should high-risk sporting adventures put others at risk? Some would argue that it is in human nature to explore and push back the boundaries of achievement.

Virgin tycoon Richard Branson and his colleagues have been saved more than once as the race to fly around the world in a balloon continues to attract daredevil adventurers.

Only last year, British sailor Tony Bullimore was rescued from the Southern Ocean when storms ruined his solo effort to circumnavigate the globe. The operation to find him and take him to safety cost thousands of Australian dollars.

Should people's desire to seek new challenges and test their physical and mental resolve be encouraged despite the cost or should the international community take steps to prevent these dangerous endeavours?

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Should high-risk adventure sports be banned?

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