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Sail-World.com : Yacht Sunk after Collision

Yacht Sunk after Collision

'Remains of Safir, 50ft yacht sunk after collision with another yacht' .

This classic yacht, participating in the first day of the Regates Royales Festival in the Bay of Cannes, failed to give way in time to avoid collision with another yacht, resulting in not only collision, but loss of the mast, tragic death of the owner and subsequent sinking of the boat.

The owner, English lawyer Wilf Tolhurst died of head injuries in the incident off the south of France, where his 15m (50ft) yacht Safir was taking part in the regatta.

The seven-strong crew – including his son Julian, 35 – were hurled into the sea or jumped overboard. Mr Tolhurst's son and the crew of a rescue boat then tried in vain to revive him but he is thought to have been died instantly.

Mr Tolhurst, who was at the helm of the 1930s craft, reportedly tried to steer away from another British yacht – the 20m (65ft) Rowdy – which had the right of way.

The 35-tonne yacht, owned by British America's Cup boss and Admiral's Cup team captain Graham Walker, was unable to avoid Safir.

Mr Tolhurst's son-in-law Charles Warburton, 38, said: 'The other boat was pretty much on Safir and brought the mast down when her bowsprit went between the mast and the forestay. He was hit on the head by the mast and killed.'

Mr Tolhurst's wife, Ann, was on shore when the accident happened in 20knot winds on Tuesday. She asked for the 168-strong regatta to continue, but yesterday's racing was cancelled as a mark of respect.

by Metro/Sail-World 9:27 PM Thu 25 Sep 2008 GMT

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