THE STORY
During the 2017–2018 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, serious sail handling incidents occurred. On November 18, 2017, Simon Speirs was swept overboard and died after his tether detached while changing sails on Great Britain in the Southern Ocean. On August 31, 2017, skipper David Hartshorn was airlifted following a severe thumb injury during a spinnaker drop on Greenings off Portugal. These events highlight the race's risks and safety challenges.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Clipper Round the World fleet
WHY IT MATTERS
These incidents highlight the dangers faced by semi-professional crews in high-risk ocean conditions, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and training in competitive sailing events.