Broken spars, torn sails, dismastings and dragging anchors have seen lifeboats in attendance for the Shetland Round Britain & Ireland Race. The Barra Lifeboat responded to the yacht Ruffian’s call for assistance when she dragged her anchor and was blown ashore.

Competitors Pete Goss & Paul Larsen, happened to be in the RNLI boathouse at the time and joined the crew of the RNLI RIB to help put a line aboard and re- anchor Ruffian.

Earlier Pete and Paul experienced a problem with their main bulkhead on their Seacart 30 catamaran Cornwall Sailing for Success and had to make repairs.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston fired his own cannon to start the Royal Western Yacht Club’s 2006 race, the 40th anniversary of the event. To follow the race see www.rwyc.org/ShetlandRBI