Sailor dies during race at Cowes Week

A sailor has died at Cowes Week after being thrown from a yacht.

The man, in his 60s, was racing in the RS Elite class at the world’s largest sailing regatta in the Solent when he fell from his 24ft boat into the sea and was knocked unconscious.

He was taken ashore by an event safety boat before being taken by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport, Isle of Wight, where he was pronounced dead.

Hampshire Police said his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.