While moored at Cowes, Isle of Wight Ellen MacArthur’s B&Q trimaran was rammed by a motor launch which went out of control.

The carbon fibre centre hull of the record-breaking 75 ft trimaran was peeled open. Yachtsman Jeff Locke told YM: ‘The skipper of the motor launch misjudged the strength of the spring tide and wind while entering East Cowes marina and was driven onto Ellen MacArthur’s boat.’

Dame Ellen sailed round the world in 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes earlier this year.