Sailor knocked overboard in race, dies

GLOUCESTER, Va. (AP)

Authorities say a sailor in the annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race was killed after a sail on the vessel knocked him overboard.

The Virginia Marine Police says that 68-year-old Paul Stephen Case, of Racine, Wis., died following the Friday night incident off Windmill Point, near Gloucester.

The Virginian-Pilot newspaper reports that Case was one of seven on the crew of the schooner that is home-ported in Pasadena, Md.

Officials say the crew of the 43-foot Cuchulain was taking down the sails when Case was struck on the windy and choppy seas. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket.

Crew members tried to save him and CPR was performed.

According to the race’s website, more than 30 vessels participated in the race from Annapolis, Md., to north of Hampton Roads in Virginia.