More news from George at Cowes RNLI, in his own words. Ed
A Dutch ocean racer which broke its rudder just west of Thorness Bay yesterday afternoon was assisted to Cowes by two RNLI lifeboats.
The 45 foot Beluga had lost its steering while taking part in a Cowes Week race. The yacht, with seven men aboard, reported their plight to Solent Coastguards and dropped anchor to await assistance.
Cowes lifeboat, with Scott Armiger at the helm, took the yacht in tow. This operation with such a large boat, in a Force 6/7 south-westerly, was made easier as a result of a casualty drogue being attached to the stern. The drogue was provided by Calshot’s Tyne Class lifeboat, which accompanied Cowes lifeboat as far as the mouth of Cowes Harbour.
The Beluga was eventually towed to East Cowes Marina. Because of the testing conditions, the towing operation had taken over an hour.
