Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat launched to the aid of the prestigious classic sailing yacht ‘Iolaire’ yesterday evening (Tuesday) after the vessel got into difficulty off The Needles. The lifeboat located Iolaire and her 2 person crew just 1 nautical mile south west of The Needles lighthouse having launched on service at 20:24. The casualty vessel was found to be suffering from machinery failure and a lack of wind to sail to safety.
An RNLI crew member was transferred aboard, a tow line was passed and the tow back to Yarmouth commenced, with the lifeboat returning to station by 21:45.
The Iolaire is a unique 16m Yawl built in England by the Harris Bros in 1905. She successfully raced in many regattas in her heyday, including Cowes Week and the Fastnet.
Coastguard Officers from The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team assisted in communication by manning VHF CH16 for the Western Solent due to a power outage.
