An amateur sailor has died while competing in a round the world yacht race.

Andrew Ashman, 49, who worked as a paramedic and lived in Kent, was described as an experienced sailor. He was one of the crew aboard the IchorCoal CV21 when he was knocked unconscious after being hit by a sail.

The boat was 120 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal heading for Brazil in the early stages of the Clipper 2015-16 round the world race.

Skipper Darren Ladd reported that Mr Ashman was reefing the main sail in a strong breeze when he was struck by the mainsheet. He was given immediate medical assistance and attempted resuscitation but failed to regain consciousness.

A statement on the race's website said: "A full investigation will be carried out, as is standard practice, into the details of this tragic incident in cooperation with the appropriate authorities. CV21 is diverting to northern Portugal to a suitable marina, to be confirmed, in the Porto area and is anticipated to arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning."

Clipper race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston stated: “This is extremely sad and my heart goes out to his bereaved family and friends, and to his fellow crew who have come to know Andrew with great affection during his training and the early days of this race.

"Safety is always our utmost priority, as our record shows, and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities.”

The race was established almost 20 years ago with the aim of allowing anyone, regardless of previous experience, to “embrace the thrill of ocean racing”. This is the first fatality in its history.

More than 3,300 amateur crew have been trained and participated in previous races. Around 700 people are due to participate in the 2015-16 edition which set off from London on Monday.

They include Winter Paralympics gold medallist Charlotte Evans, from Chatham, who is taking part in a 6,985 mile leg from Australia to China. She was among those who attended a launch of the race at St Katherine's Dock on Sunday.

Mr Ashman, who lived alone in Orpington, had been sailing since he was 16 and was also due to take part in the Southern Ocean and USA coast to coast legs of the race.