Cowes RNLI lifeboat races to aid of dismasted yacht. The 36 foot Hamble based Extra Djinn, with nine people on board, reported it had suffered a dismasting north of Osborne Bay as a result of a sudden squall…  Author: George Chastney, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer.

Any thought by Cowes RNLI lifeboat crew enjoying a reviving hot drink after exercising with their Atlantic 85 in a choppy and rain-swept Solent yesterday (Sunday) morning had to be hurriedly put on hold when they suddenly learned that a racing yacht was in trouble.

The yacht, the 36 foot Hamble based Extra Djinn, with nine people on board, reported it had suffered a dismasting north of Osborne Bay as a result of a sudden squall. It was drifting, with the mast, boom and rigging hanging over the starboard side.

The Cowes crew, led by helmsman Simon Hawkins, had shortly before returned to their base at Shepards Wharf. They lost no time in putting their plans in reverse.

When eventually the lifeboat came alongside the Extra Djinn it was found, however, that the yacht crew had already managed to cut the mast, boom and rigging free of the boat. As a precaution, lifeboatman Richard O’Callaghan was briefly put aboard to check no-one had been hurt and the yacht had not been holed.

Before returning to Cowes the lifeboat arranged for Calshot RNLI lifeboat to escort the yacht, then under power, back to Hamble.

“Apparently the yacht was taking part in the very last race of the year,” said Richard. “After the dismasting the crew was worried that if they started the engine the loose rigging might foul the propeller. And it was quite lumpy out there.”

Date: 29/11/2009