Atlantic rescue after UK racing yachts are sunk and damaged by hurricane force winds

A British yacht was sunk and others severely damaged after they encountered hurricane force winds on a transatlantic race to Rhode Island, USA.  A major rescue operation was launched in “extreme” weather by the Canadian Navy late on Friday night.

The boats, which sailed from Plymouth, were taking part in the club’s Original Singlehanded Transatlantic Race and the Twohanded Transatlantic Race. The 22 boats are crewed by solo or by two people.

But 1,700 miles east of Newfoundland they encountered 80mph winds and 15 metre high waves, CTV News reported.

The Furia was sunk and its crew were taken in by survey vessel Thor Magna, the club said.

Happy was dismasted and its crew were rescued by tug vessel Apl Forward, it added.

The Tamarind also suffered severe damage and its crew was rescued by cruise ship Queen Mary II.

Source: Atlantic rescue operation launched after UK racing yachts are sunk and damaged by hurricane force winds | The Independent