Eleonora sunk in collision

This is the horrifying moment that the Westward replica Eleonora was struck by a commercial vessel in a Spanish port – and later sunk.

The 49.5-metre schooner was struck by a 60-metre o shore supply vessel in Port Tárraco, Tarragona, at 8am on 10 June.

A Maritime Rescue boat, the Punta Mayor, is believed to have lost control of her main engines in reverse. The crew stopped the engines and tried to anchor her with two anchors to avoid the collision.

Eleonora took on water and later sunk on her mooring, but she was raised within days and is now being assessed for damage. No injuries and no fuel pollution was reported.

Eleonora has been available for charter from €70k per week and was on the market in recent years, priced at €7.9m. She was built in 2000 at the Van der Graaf shipyard in Holland as a replica, above and below decks, of Westward (above right), which in 1910 was one of the most famous racing schooners in the world and sailed successfully against yachts such as Britannia and Lulworth.

Eleonora’s interior is traditional, following NG Herresho ’s plans, panelled in mahogany. She sleeps eight guests in three double cabins and one twin cabin. The bathrooms are fitted out in marble. The boat was for sale following a major refit.