A man who went overboard during the Cowes-Deauville race last Friday (26th May), prompting an unsuccessful search operation by French authorities has been named as 68-year-old Robin Lilley.
As previously reported by Island Echo, a large-scale search operation was launched after he was reported missing at around 21:30 last Friday about 15 miles off the North Coast of France. The search ran into a 2nd day before eventually being stood down.
In a statement released today Jog Yacht Racing said:
“JOG Yacht Racing are now able to confirm that the man lost overboard from Alexa, a yacht in the Cowes-Deauville race, is Robin Lilley, a retired company director from St Lawrence on the Isle of Wight. He was sadly not recovered despite an extensive air and sea search.”
“The 33ft offshore yacht is based in Cowes and was sailing with 4 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.”
Died doing what he loved, blessings and peace to the family. ❤❤