Torbay yacht skipper rescued in storm after flares seen

02/12/2021

The skipper of a Torbay yacht that ran into problems during Storm Arwen has been rescued after using flares.

The red flares were seen off Berry Head and the emergency services were contacted one November afternoon.

Torbay’s volunteer lifeboat crew was nearby in the bay on exercise and was asked by the coastguard to assist the 36-foot yacht.

In 45 knot winds and rough seas, the Torbay yacht had been unable to furl her jib and had problems with water entering the engine. As the yacht was being sailed single-handed, it was difficult to leave the helm to go forward to fix the jib or sort the engine.

The RNLI Torbay crew members got as close as they could in the rolling swells to allow two of them to board. They lowered the jib, resolved the engine difficulties and stayed at the helm as the lifeboat escorted the yacht back to Brixham Harbour.

Two crew members ensured the owner and yacht were safe and secure whilst the lifeboat remained on hand in case of further difficulties in the growing winds and later headed back to the station.

Roger Goode, Torbay RNLI Coxswain, says, ‘It is sensible and less risky when sailing single-handed in heavy seas, to stay in the cockpit if you can. So, when two things go wrong at the same time, as happened today in such circumstances, it was the wiser and safer option to call for assistance.

“It was also great that the public responded so quickly when sighting the red distress flares. That plus being so close-by at the time, meant we could assist very promptly.”

The image of the RNLI crew alongside the yacht is credited to RNLI/Niall Blatcher.