Simon Speirs, former partner at law firm Osborne Clarke, died this weekend during the Clipper Round the World yacht race.
Speirs, 60, was washed overboard by heavy winds during a race from South Africa to Australia on Saturday and did not regain consciousness when his team brought him back on the boat.
An experienced sailor with more than 40 years’ experience, Speirs had taken on the challenge following his retirement from the law firm this year.
He held a number of roles at Osborne Clarke, including head of property for close to 10 years.
A spokesman for the firm said: “Simon spent more than 20 years of his career at Osborne Clarke and had a huge enthusiasm for the firm, which alongside his caring nature and his deep love of lawyering, made him a highly popular and valued member of our team.”
“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.”
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