British crew member dies in Round the World yacht race

The crew member died after being swept overboard in strong winds

A British crew member in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has died after being swept overboard in strong winds, officials said on Friday. Forty year-old Londoner Sarah Young was on board the IchorCoal boat (CV21) in the Pacific Ocean in wind speeds of up to 40 knots but was not tethered in.

"Next of kin have been informed and all our thoughts are now with Sarah’s family, teammates, and loved ones on and off the race," organisers said in a statement published on the official race website (www.clipperroundtheworld.com).

"Skipper Darren Ladd reports that Sarah was tidying the cockpit after reefing the mainsail in 35-40 knots of wind, when she was knocked from her position by a wave.

"She fell back toward the guard wire and was swept under it by another wave."