Mirabella V in Portsmouth for repairs

by IBI Magazine on 23 Oct 2004 Mirabella V, the £30 million super-sloop that ran aground off the French Riviera last month, has arrived back in Portsmouth for repairs to its hydraulic lift keel mechanism.

Contrary to various media reports, Mirabella's hull and rig are said to be undamaged. However, the sacrificial tip on one rudder needs to be replaced and the lift keel mechanism needs to be repaired.

‘Mirabella V was already scheduled by VT Shipbuilding to undergo a warranty and maintenance programme before departing for the Caribbean,’ said Joe Vittoria, the yacht's owner.

‘Therefore the decision was made to have the yacht return to Portsmouth and have the keel removed for comprehensive inspection and repaired whilst the warranty and maintenance programme is under way.’

The 75m (245ft) sloop was grounded on rocks near Cap Ferrat at the entrance to Beaulieu sur Mer Harbour in September, having dragged its 600kg anchor.

Divers were sent to examine the hull and keel immediately after the grounding, and the yacht was able to float free once the keel was raised 70cm on its own ram. Mirabella then motored to La Ciotat shipyard near Marseille, where she was properly inspected before beginning the journey to back to Portsmouth

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