Cowes RNLI lifeboat went to assist a 26ft yacht that had lost its mast in strong Solent winds yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).
The dismasting occurred east of East Lepe Buoy.
Although the couple on board had an engine, they feared the trailing rigging could easily become entangled in the propeller, so they dropped anchor and radioed the Coastguard for assistance.
Launching at 17:00, the lifeboat and its volunteer crew arrived on the scene just 10 minutes later.
Some of the lifeboat crew went aboard the yacht to help lift the mast and rigging onto the deck. Then, with the yacht able to proceed under its own power, it was escorted to Trinity Landing, Cowes.
“its volunteer crew”
O well. Guess the smoked salmon sandwiches and pink champagne went out the window.Hope they made a worth while donation while the lifeboat crew were having there beans on toast and had to leave it.Just because of some selfish snotty yachts…
to be fair that 1980’s Westerly Griffin is probably more bacon sarnies than smoked salmon, theres a good few of them around the Island.