Sarah Young: Businesswoman to be buried at sea after Clipper Yacht Race tragedy

Swept overboard: Sarah Young
Clipper Race
Jamie Bullen2 April 2016

A London businesswoman who died after she was swept into the Pacific Ocean while competing in a round-the-world yacht race will be buried at sea, organisers said.

Sarah Young, 40, was washed into the sea by a large wave as she tended to the mainsail aboard her 70ft yacht.

The company owner is the second person to have died on the IchorCoal vessel during the Clipper Round The World Race following the death of Kent man Andrew Ashman, 49, last September.

Race organisers said permission has been given from Ms Young’s partner and family to bury her at sea.

Keen adventurer: Sarah Young
Clipper Race

In a statement, organisers said: “Following guidance from the doctor and our medical advisers and consultation with the Maritime Coastguard Agency, plus Sarah's partner, friends, family and the crew, we have decided to proceed with a burial at sea as soon as weather conditions permit, because of the long time it will take to reach closest landfall."

Ms Young died in the mid-north Pacific at around 1.44pm UK time on Friday as the boat sailed in rough weather from China to Seattle.

She was recovered from the water after falling overboard but could not be resuscitated despite the desperate efforts from crew members.

Her body is expected to be laid to rest at sea on Saturday evening in a ceremony that will draw on centuries-old maritime traditions.

Race organisers said: "The yacht has been sent details of the burial at sea ceremony which has been used for centuries by mariners, along with some personal readings from her loved ones, and will advise the race office with at least two hours' notice when they are ready to proceed.

"We appreciate that this will be a difficult and emotional time for the crew, the entire fleet and the whole Clipper Race family. Our thoughts remain with them all and with Sarah's partner, family and friends at this difficult time.

"Sarah was much loved, and will be missed deeply by all who knew her. On behalf of her family and friends, they have asked us to request that they are now allowed to grieve and remember Sarah in peace."

A crewmate described Ms Young as a "witty, ballsy, caring lady" as tributes pour in for the 40-year-old.

Paying tribute to Ms Young on Facebook fellow IchorCoal crew member Elliotte Ashcroft said she felt "sick and shocked by this totally awful news".

She wrote: "Thoughts and prayers and much love and support go out to the onboard crew, Daz, Sarahs family and all who knew this witty, ballsy, caring lady. X".

Additional reporting by Press Association

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