A former company director from St Lawrence, Isle of Wight has been confirmed as the sailor who was lost overboard during the JOG Cowes to Deauville Yacht Race last Friday night.
68-year-old Robin Lilley was sailing with Island Sailing Club’s former Commodore, Mark Wynter, on Alexa.
ISC: A proud member of the Club
A spokesperson from Island Sailing Club made the following announcement,
“It is with enormous sorrow that I announce that we lost Robin Lilley, a long-serving member, overboard from Alexa, owned by our former Commodore Mark Wynter during the JOG race to Deauville on Friday night. Despite the best efforts of the skipper and crew of the boat, two helicopters, four lifeboats, two merchant ships and several other race competitors, he has not been found.
“The Club will be saddened by this. He was a proud member of the Club and, I am sure, will be much missed.
“Our thoughts are with Robin’s loved ones and all those affected.”
JOG: French Authorities cannot be praised enough
A spokesperson for JOG Yacht Racing said,
“The 33ft offshore yacht is based in Cowes and was sailing with four experienced crew on the 100 mile race to the Normandy port.
“The French Authorities, who have administered the incident, cannot be praised enough for their support to the skipper, Mark Wynter, and crew who have now returned to the UK.
“JOG and all involved are cooperating with all UK Authorities involved in continuing enquiries, and our thoughts remain with Robin’s loved ones and all those affected at this difficult time.”
Our thoughts are with Robin’s family and friends.
Image: Flower’s Lover under CC BY 2.0
