One sailor has died and the search for a second has been stood down following two separate incidents in cross-Channel races at the weekend, as Marine Industry News reports.
On Friday (26 May), a British man understood to be from the Greater Manchester area died after falling overboard from a yacht off the Normandy coast during the Royal Escape Race.
On the same day, a sailor understood to be a 68-year-old man from the Isle of Wight who was taking part in a race from Cowes to Deauville fell overboard some 15 miles from the finish.
A multi-agency search continued into Saturday but has since been stood down. Marine Industry News has more HERE.
Cowes - Deauville race statement
JOG Yacht Racing are deeply saddened to announce that a competitor was reported overboard during the Cowes to Deauville race on Friday 26th May at approximately 21:30hrs BST. The incident occurred some 15 miles from the finish in the Seine Bay off the Northern coast of France.
Following a Mayday call to the French rescue services, air rescue and lifeboats, together with nearby vessels and a number of competing boats, assisted in a search.
We are working with French authorities, and all concerned in establishing the full details and assisting with enquiries. The competitor's next of kin has been informed. Our thoughts and most sincere condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
A Statement from Sussex Yacht Club
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors yesterday.
Sussex Yacht Club are working with the Police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau to assist with their enquiries.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our fellow sailors at this difficult time.
* According to Sky News, the man was taking part in the 43rd Royal Escape Race, an event launched in 1977 to celebrate the Queen's silver jubilee.
Participants follow the route Charles II took aboard the coal barge Surprise from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Normandy port of Fecamp.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Sussex Police were made aware of a man has sadly died in the English Channel after falling from a yacht in French waters in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident is understood to have happened at around 2 pm on Friday.
