Law firm Osborne Clarke has announced the death of retired partner Simon Speirs following an accident during the Clipper Round The World yacht race.
The firm said Mr Speirs, pictured, embarked on the challenge following his retirement as a partner last year. He is understood to have been swept overboard between South Africa and Australia as he helped change a sail during a force eight gale with winds gusting up to 50 miles an hour. 
Osborne Clarke said Mr Speirs, who was 60 and a father of four, spent more than 30 years of his career at the firm and had a huge enthusiasm for it – “which alongside his caring nature and his deep love of lawyering made him a highly popular and valued member of our team”, a spokesman said.
He added: “Simon was also committed to raising money for charity and his friends at Osborne Clarke always followed his progress during his fundraising challenges, many of which involved sailing. The Clipper race was the greatest of those challenges and we are devastated that he has lost his life while pursuing his dream.
“Our thoughts are with Simon’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Mr Speirs was given a burial at sea.
The Clipper Round The Word race said in a statement: “Simon was on the foredeck assisting with a headsail change from Yankee 3 when he was washed overboard. Although he was clipped on with his safety tether, he became separated from the yacht in the Southern Ocean at approximately 0814UTC (1414 local time) in a rough sea state, in 20 knots of wind, gusting 40. 
“The team’s man overboard recovery training kicked into immediate effect and despite the rough conditions, Simon was recovered back on board by the Skipper and crew 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 and was pronounced deceased at 0925UTC.
“At the time of the incident, Simon was clipped on, wearing his lifejacket, which included an AIS beacon, as well as approved waterproof ocean oilskins.
“A member of the crew since Race Start in the UK on August 20, 2017, Simon was a highly experienced sailor with over 40 years dinghy experience and an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate.
“He also successfully completed the Clipper Race Coxswain Certificate (CRCC) in February this year in anticipation of his challenge.”
