An "experienced" British yachtsman has died after being hit by a sail while competing in a round-the-world race, organisers say.

Andrew Ashman, 49, was adjusting the main sail of his team's IchorCoal boat when he was knocked unconscious by the mainsheet and possibly the boom, race organisers said.

A mainsheet is a rope connected to the boom which allows a sailor to control the speed of a boat.

Mr Ashman was given medical treatment at the scene but never regained consciousness.

The incident happened around 190 km off the Portuguese coast heading south towards Brazil in the first leg of the Clipper Race.

The family of Mr Ashman, who was a paramedic from Orpington, Kent, have been informed.

Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "This is extremely sad news 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 co-operation with the authorities."

A full investigation into the tragic accident will be carried out, organisers said.

All the other crew are safe.