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    • Discovery Sailing Programme Update

    21/07/11

    Due to the unfortunate incident that took place on Saturday 16 July, when the mast on Discovery broke and had to be cut clear by the RNLI lifeboat crew from Calshot it has been necessary for DSP to curtail the August and September sailing programme on Discovery.

    The lead time for getting a replacement mast and replacing the standing rigging is going to be a minimum of 6 - 12weeks

    The options may be that the 10 day voyage could be run in October dependant on successful repairs and trials to Discovery, or that substitute DSP yachts 60ft yacht Thermopylae Clipper. or 35ft Hollywood - Alexander Fairy be used for shorter trips in September.

    The proposed dates are currently 10 - 16 September using DSP's 60ft yacht Thermopylae Clipper, which sleeps 11 and has sailed around the world 4 times.

    Those people already booked on either the August Bank Holiday Weekend or 10 day voyage will be contacted to discuss transferring to new dates and replacement yachts

    Calshot RNLI lifeboat in call to dismasted yacht with young people on board

    Date: 16/07/2011

    Author: Tim Woodcock, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

    Story reproduced courtesy of RNLI

    Calshot RNLI all-weather lifeboat Alexander Coutanche was called by Solent Coastguard today (Saturday) at 4:30pm to aid the crew of a 45ft sail training yacht with eight young people and two adults on board. The yacht had broken its mast and was drifting in blustery conditions near to the Brambles sandbank in the central Solent. Initially Hamble Independent Lifeboat had been called to help but were having difficulty due to the strong winds and worsening sea state. Crew from Calshot lifeboat managed to secure a towline to the yacht. Due to the hazard caused by the damaged mast and rigging, the yacht skipper and lifeboat crew cut it free. The yacht was then towed into safer water and the yacht checked for any damage. As it was found to be safe, the yacht crew were able to use the boat's own engine to make for the safety of the River Hamble, escorted by Calshot lifeboat. Coxswain Mike Lawrence said: 'Everyone on the yacht acted in a very calm and professional manner in a situation that could have escalated into something more serious.'

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