Cowes Lifeboat put safety first when dealing with a large ocean racer that had lost its steering on the final leg of the popular Round the Island Race on Saturday afternoon.
Initially the 40 foot Highflight was taken in tow by the lifeboat when they met up in the Solent, a tantalising two miles from the finishing line of the famous 65 mile event. But, noting the number of race-finishers pouring into Cowes Harbour and the freshening wind, helmsman Simon Hawkins decided that something larger and more powerful than their Atlantic 85 ‘Tabby Cat’ was needed to ensure there would be no mishap.
Calshot lifeboat dispatched
The result was that the RNLI’s Calshot lifeboat was dispatched to the scene to take over the tow. Cowes lifeboat then took on a policing role, preceding Calshot lifeboat to warn other racers to keep clear of the cross-the-course procession. Highflight was eventually safely brought alongside Trinity Landing, off Cowes Parade.
“There could have been a real problem if our boat tried to manoeuvre with this big boat in the busy harbour,” said Simon. “And after Calshot took over we had another challenging job, warning a number of yachts to get out of the way.”
“Quite a hazard”
Another lifeboat crewman, Steve Price said, “Highflight even presented quite a hazard out in the Solent after it lost its steering amongst all those racers. And it was clear it would be difficult in those conditions for us to complete the tow.”
‘Tabby Cat’s’ tow-rope was again put to use later when it towed the yacht Premier Cru back to East Cowes Marina when it found it was unable to start its engine after finishing the race.
