A SAILOR who died taking part in a round the world yacht race has been buried at sea.

Sarah Young, a company owner from London, who was described as a "witty, caring lady" by a crewmate, died after being swept off her boat into the Pacific Ocean.

The 40-year-old was washed into the sea by a wave as she tended to the mainsail aboard the IchorCoal, a 70ft yacht competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, before being swept away in strong winds.

She was recovered from the sea by her crewmates who tried to resuscitate her but she never regained consciousness, a race spokeswoman said.

Miss Young, who was not tethered to the yacht, died in the mid-north Pacific at around 1.44pm UK time on Friday, as the boat sailed from China to Seattle, in America.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed but it is thought to be drowning or exposure. All other crew members are safe and well.

The crew are between six and seven days away from Japan, the nearest land mass.

A spokeswoman said: "Following guidance from the Doctor at our medical advisors 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.

"We estimate that the earliest opportunity will be late this evening UK time, which is late morning Sunday in the fleet's current location in the North Pacific.

"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."

Miss Young is the second Briton aboard the same boat to die during this edition of the competition.

Her death comes six months after that of Andrew Ashman, 49, from Kent who was killed on the same vessel after being knocked unconscious while sailing off the Portuguese coast.