Yachtsman drowns in round-world race

A RETIRED solicitor who was taking part in one of the world’s toughest yacht races has died after being washed overboard in a Force Eight gale in the Indian Ocean.

Simon Speirs had signed up as a crew member of the yacht Great Britain in the Clipper Round the World Race for the £45,000, yearlong adventure and was helping to change a sail at the bow of the 70-foot boat when he was knocked over the side.

Mr Speirs, 60, a retired property solicitor from Bristol, went overboard on the sixth day of the leg between South Africa and Australia, in what were described as rough conditions, with winds of up to 50 miles an hour.

According to a report from organising company Clipper Ventures, he was clipped on with a lifeline but somehow became separated from the yacht. He was found and successfully hauled on board 36 minutes later but was unable to be resuscitated.

A statement by Clipper Ventures read: “Simon was on the foredeck assisting with a headsail change when he was washed overboard. Although he was clipped on with his safety tether, he became separated from the yacht. The team’s man overboard recovery training kicked into immediate effect and despite the rough conditions, Simon was recovered back on board within 36 minutes, at which point CPR was immediately administered by three medically trained crew, which included a GP. However, Simon sadly never regained consciousness. All other crew are reported safe.”

The yacht was last night bound for Fremantle, Western Australia.

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