Grieving sailors have told of their shock and sadness after a British yachtsman from Orpington was killed adjusting a sail as he competed in a round-the-world race.

Andrew Ashman, 49, who was competing in the Clipper race, died in the early hours of Saturday morning after being struck unconscious by a mainsheet - a rope connected to the boom - while sailing off the coast of Portugal.

He received medical treatment at the scene but never regained consciousness.

Former paramedic Mr Ashman, who was awarded the Queen's Medal for his 20 years service for London Ambulance, was less than a week into the year-long Clipper Round the World Yacht Race when he died.

Fellow racers described him as a "lovely guy" and told of their horror at his death, which has cast a shadow over the race.

Clare Winter, who is due to sail aboard the same boat later in the competition, wrote on Twitter: "Lost for words. My thoughts are with Andy's family, friends, Darren and the rest of my crew. Farewell my friend."

Boris Dosseh, 35, a financial analyst competing for the LMax Exchange team, wrote on Twitter: "I'm so sad to hear that terrible news. All my sympathy goes to Andrew Ashman's family. May you Rest in peace."

He added: "Andrew you were a lovely guy. May you Rest In Peace for ever."

Ian Pullen, a sailing friend of Mr Ashman's, said: "He had a permanent grin stuck on his face. He had unstoppable enthusiasm. He just loved sailing, he absolutely loved it.

"He was determined to do as well as he could - not necessarily always to win, because it wasn't about the winning for Andy. It was just sailing and racing - he loved that part of it. Winning was an added bonus.

"He would go all out to try to get the maximum out of the boat, the crew - everyone.

"He found a real love in life of sailing, the whole lifestyle and everything that goes with it.

"He would have died with that silly grin on his face because he was doing exactly what he loved."

Mr Ashman, described as an "experienced yachtsman", was loved by everyone he sailed with and was "really excited" about competing in the Clipper race, his friend added.

The vessel was in moderate seas when it was hit by a Force Six strong breeze (24-30 mph/21-27 knots) and the tragedy happened.

Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "This is extremely sad news and my heart goes out to his bereaved family and friends, and to his fellow crew who have come to know Andrew with great affection during his training and the early days of this race.

"Safety is always our utmost priority, as our record shows, and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full co-operation with the authorities."

A full investigation into the tragic accident will be carried out, organisers said.

His boat, sponsored by South African firm IchorCoal, was sailing around 120 nautical miles off the Portuguese coast heading towards Brazil in the first leg of the race when the incident happened..

The family of Mr Ashman, who worked as a paramedic, have been informed.

London Ambulance Service posted on Twitter: "Our thoughts and prayers to our old friend and colleague Andrew Ashman."

 

A spokesman for Clipper Ventures said: "At this stage it looks like a tragic accident as far as we can see, but obviously there will be a full assessment.

"The skipper and crew have been very upset."

His team have now diverted to Portugal are expected to arrive near Porto in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

It is the first death in the history of the Clipper Race, which was established nearly 20 years ago.

To pay tribute to Mr Ashman email jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk or call the newsroom on 01689 885721.