SCOTLAND

DISMASTED YACHT

Four people were rescued from a dismasted yacht by Largs lifeboat amid rough sea conditions. The crew of Voila had been taking part in the Round Bute yacht race when the vessel’s mast broke in testing conditions on 24 June. The coastguard called Largs volunteer lifeboat crew to attend the stricken vessel, which was located one mile south of Garroch Head. The yacht’s sails and rigging were in the water, along with the mast.

Voila was towed towards the Cumbrae Isles where some shelter could be found while the debris was retrieved: however, it was not possible to recover the mast, which was trapped under the stern of the vessel.

Having made everything secure, the lifeboat crew towed the yacht to Largs Yacht Haven, where the shore-based coastguard team assisted in mooring the vessel.