Sailor drowns in ocean race

A BRITISH sailor taking part in one of the world’s toughest yacht races died when he was washed overboard by galeforce winds.

Simon Speirs, 60, was buried at sea yesterday after a service on board the ocean racing yacht CV30. The retired solicitor, pictured, was fulfilling a dream by signing up to the £45,000 yearlong Clipper Round The World Race. He was crew on the ‘Great Britain’ team.

Despite being attached to a safety tether, the married father- of-four from Bristol was thrown into the Southern Ocean as he helped change a sail at the bow of the 70ft vessel.

Crewmates watched in horror as Mr Speirs was swept away on Saturday en route to Fremantle, Australia. His body was recovered 36 minutes later but he could not be resuscitated.

Mr Speirs is the third person in two years to die in the event’s 21-year history. An investigation has been launched.