A Nelson man died after falling overboard from his yacht in heavy seas in the outer Marlborough Sounds on Saturday.
Charles (Charlie) Gerard Gallagher was swept overboard near Cape Jackson.
Police said his sailing companion was able to secure a tether to him but could not get him back onboard.
Mr Gallagher was wearing full wet weather gear, but no lifejacket.
The Wellington rescue helicopter winched Mr Gallagher from the water, but he was pronounced dead soon after.
