A 34ft yacht that told HM Coastguard they had steering problems off Gurnard Green led to the launching of Cowes RNLI lifeboat earlier this evening (Monday).
The yacht – with 2 men and a woman on board – had sailed in strong winds from Hamble Point.
Although the lifeboat was ready to tow the yacht to safety, the yacht crew had in fact managed to overcome the problem and all that was left for the lifeboat to do was to escort the craft to the River Medina.
Initially the yacht crew planned to moor at East Cowes Marina, but they soon decided instead to sail without assistance back across the Solent to Hamble Point.
The lifeboat, which launched at 17:23, returned to station at 18:10.
Emergency Tiller!
Why? They had fixed it. Emergency Tiller don’t work if you’ve got a fisherman’s rope wrapped around the rudder or it’s been damaged.
Arm chair sailors……..
You always have your emergency Tiller in the event of engine or navigation faliure RYA trained. Be prepared and be safe on the water, Capn.
I’m not a sailor and never will be. So, out of interest why isn’t there an ‘AA’ or RAC service for the boating community? Save costly Coastguard call outs for those not in danger, just broken down.
There is it’s called Sea Start
Possibly they would have to pay a fee!!, Lifeboats coastguard free.