A sailor died after she was swept overboard in the Pacific while heading to Seattle in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

Sarah Young, a 40-year-old businesswoman from London, was washed into the sea by a wave while tending to the mainsail in winds of up to 46 mph, organizers said today. Her body was recovered by her crew one hour later but she never regained consciousness.

The cause of death has not been confirmed but is thought to be drowning or exposure. All other crew members are safe.

The accident on the IchorCoal boat happened during the ninth of 14 stages in the race. The boats were going from Qingdao, China, to Seattle and had about 3,700 miles to go.

“The safety of our crew has always been and continues to be our main priority and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities,” Clipper Race founder Robin Knox-Johnston said.

The 46,000-mile race is in its 10th edition. It features 12 identical 70-foot and began in London in August. It finishes in London at the end of July.