INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Sailors from around the world have paid tribute to a professional sailor who has died in a boating accident.The death of Zane Gills, who
lived in Lymington, Hampshire, was announced on Facebook by his wife, Sarah.An Australian national, the 37-year-old reportedly died in an
accident on a boat in Barcelona, Spain, ahead of New Year's Eve.Image:Zane Gills was a bowman for Team Telefonica in the Volvo Ocean Race
Pic: Diego Fructuoso/Team Telefonica/Volvo Ocean RaceMrs Gills wrote: "It's with disbelief I have to share with you that Zane has tragically
We are all totally shocked and devastated by the news
He was an incredible man and will be very sorely missed."We ask respectfully for space at this time and we will inform everyone of funeral
arrangements in Lymington and Australia soon."Mr Gills, originally from Tasmania, Australia, was a well-known sailor and had taken part in
many events, including the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.The race organisers tweeted: "The Ocean Race family and the entire sailing
community is saddened to learn of the passing of Zane Gills, who raced with Team Telefonica in the 2011-12 edition of the race."We offer our
deepest condolences to all of his family and friends."Spanish team Desafio MAPFRE posted a picture of Mr Gills helming the boat, saying: "A
great bowman, an excellent sailor and unbeatable person RIP."Mr Gills was also a bowman on iCap Leopard, the world's fastest monohull boat
at the time.Image:Zane Gills celebrating with his Telefonica teammates in 2011
Pic: Ian Roman/Volvo Ocean Race)Friends from the sailing community, from New Zealand to the United States, paid tribute to the sailor."He
will be remembered as that guy with the best smile
He will be missed all around the world," wrote Robin Marsh in New Zealand.Emma Sheltrum wrote: "He clearly touched so many people's hearts
I'll never forget the Leopard days."Mr Gills also played rugby with local Lymington team the Mariners, who will play a game on 11 January in
his honour."Zano was one of the nicest guys anyone could ever hope to meet and a strong, reliable and wonderful team mate," wrote Nick Bubb,
teammate and a trustee of the John Merricks Sailing Trust.Image:Zane Gills with his Telefonica team mates after winning the third leg of the
Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 from Abu Dhabi to Sanya, China
Pic: Ian Roman/Volvo Ocean RaceSimon Oliff added: "He was revered as the best of men by all the Mariners who trained, played and celebrated
with him."Mrs Gills has asked for anybody with photos or videos of Zane to be sent by WeTransfer to ben@islandimages.co.uk so she can put
together a video of his life.
