Second tragedy hits yacht in Gosport-based Clipper Round The World race

A SECOND sailor from the same yacht has died in the Gosport-based Clipper Round The World race.
Sarah Young, 40, who has died after being swept overboard while competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht RaceSarah Young, 40, who has died after being swept overboard while competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race
Sarah Young, 40, who has died after being swept overboard while competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

Sarah Young, 40, a company owner from London, was washed into the sea by a wave as she tended to the mainsail aboard the IchorCoal boat and was swept away in strong winds.

The incident took place in the mid-north Pacific at around 1.44pm today.

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Miss Young’s body was recovered by her crew who tried to resuscitate her, but she never regained consciousness, a race spokeswoman said.

During the first leg of the race heading from Portugal to Brazil in September, Andrew Ashman, a paramedic from Kent, was knocked unconscious by the mainsheet and did not regain consciousness.

The crew decided to resume racing.

The cause of Miss Young’s death is yet to be confirmed but is thought to be drowning or exposure.

All other crew members are safe and well.

Organisers of the race, which is co-ordinated from Gosport, said a full investigation will now be carried out, as is standard practice, in co-operation with the appropriate authorities.

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Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who lives in Old Portsmouth, said: ‘On behalf of everyone at Clipper Ventures, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sarah.

‘She was a very popular and integral member of the Clipper Race family and knew our boats well, having sailed with us since London last summer.

‘The safety of our crew has always been and continues to be our main priority and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities.’