The four crew of the 25ft yacht Gordon Rose were
sailing downwind in Plymouth Sound on Sunday morning trying to reduce
sail when a gust of more than 50mph knocked the boat over to its
starboard side.

The crew of a nearby vessel the `West End Girl’ alerted Brixham
Coastguard and they were about to broadcast a Mayday signal into the
area, when it became apparent that the Plymstock based fireboat
`Vigiles’ was already on scene and their crew recovered all four
individuals to their vessel.

The Police launch `Excalibur’ also began to proceed to the location.
Weather in the area was particularly rough with north-west winds force
7 to severe gale 9 forecast.

The Plymouth lifeboat and inshore lifeboat along with the MOD Police
Launch assisted in recovering the yacht to a safe haven at Bovisands.

Andy Huber, Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said

“All four men are safe and well, and all were wearing buoyancy aids.
They were well experienced and taking part in races in the Sound.
Unfortunately the weather overtook them and out thanks are to those
who responded so promptly.”