A solo yachtsman was rescued by the lifeboat after his trimaran, Moonstriker, was dismasted in heavy weather after the mast-step sheared off the coach roof.

The St Peter Port Lifeboat Spirit of Guernsey picked up the trimaran 23 miles southwest of the island. The lone yachtsman had left Plymouth bound for Paimpol but ran into trouble in rough conditions.

As the mast fell backwards, it creased in half and the owner of the trimaran radioed a Pan Pan which was picked up by the cruise ship Seabourn Pride which had left Guernsey that morning for Falmouth.

Photo: Tony Rive