Experienced sailor Chris Reddish, a 46-year old from London, died late on Friday night after falling overboard from his boat Lion, a Reflex 38, 17 miles off the Isle of Wight.

The yacht was one of 72 competing in the RORC Morgan Cup from Cowes to Cherbourg, which started at 1900 that evening in challenging weather. Mr Reddish’s son Alex is believed to have been among the crew.

Reports indicate that Mr Reddish may have been attached to the yacht by a tether and been dragged through the water. Another crew member, a doctor, pronounced Mr Reddish dead on retrieval.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club website www.rorc.org currently leads with a statement on the incident. Full story www.telegraph.co.uk.

Photo: sailingnetworks.com