In strong and gusty winds, Dun Laoghaire Harbour RNLI Lifeboat was called out to a dismasted yacht on Dublin Bay this morning.
The lifeboat launched at 10.10 am to go to the assistance of a crew of five on a First 310 type yacht dismasted three-quarters of a mile east of Bulloch harbour.
While the sea state was moderate westerly winds were gusting to over 40 knots, according to RNLI coxswain Mark McGibney.
The yacht's mast had broken in the strong winds, and the rig was lying over the side of the yacht's hull.
"the spinnaker, main boom and assorted sheets were still in the water"
The crew had managed to get half off of the mast back on board the vessel, but the spinnaker, main boom and assorted sheets were still in the water and under the boat, which meant the crew could not risk using their engine for fear of propellor entanglement.
The lifeboat towed them back to Dun Laoghaire marina. No injuries were reported.
Due to the strong winds, Dublin Bay Sailing Club had earlier cancelled its first race of 2022 at the AIB sponsored Spring Chicken Series.