Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Drifting sailing boat T-boned by motor cruiser

by Bruce Burdett/Sail-World Cruising on 29 Jun 2010
It could happen to any of us in close waters. A piece of the motor boat’s deck is attached to the gaping hole in the Beneteau - photo by Ted Hayes SW
There but for the Grace...A yacht in drifting air has no chance against a motor boat at speed, and the Beneteau that was T-boned by a motor yacht last week in Bristol Rhode Island (USA) ended up with a large hole and a piece of the motor boat that hit them attached to its hull.

The yacht, a Beneteau 310, was hauled from the water at Bristol Marine with a gaping hole in its port side. Sticking out from the hole was a section of the powerboat’s deck. A bowline and cleat, also apparently from the powerboat, were wrapped around the sailboat’s propeller shaft.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management investigators took custody of the motorboat. Although the powerboat lost much of its bow and began taking on water, a DEM official said it is now at the DEM base in Wickford.

Steve Hall, chief of DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement, identified the owner and driver of that boat as Peter Sebring, an oyster farmer, of Bristol.

Witnesses say that the sailboat Wavbor, owned by Chris Boutilier, was participating in the Bristol Yacht Club’s Wednesday twilight races. Along with others, it was slowly making its way between Hog Island and the Bristol mainland in a very light breeze when the collision happened

Sandra Sebring, who was on the motorboat with her husband, said they had decided to go out that evening for a ride and they saw sailboats off in the distance.

She said that at one point, her husband pointed out friend’s place on Hog Island. He had turned around again to look at the island as they passed and she was looking at the Mount Hope Bridge when, at the last moment she caught sight of the sailboat right in front of them.

“I screamed out ‘Peter.’ He turned, tried to turn the boat but it was too late. I grabbed him and we hit really hard.”

A witness on shore said, “It was 8:20 p.m., the wind had pretty much died out and the boats were drifting. We were walking away when we heard a powerboat. Then there was an incredible crash — it sounded like an explosion.”

The witness said he turned around and saw the sailboat and powerboat, both badly damaged.

She, the witness on shore and others called for help and the Bristol harbormaster boat was there in six minutes. Also arriving later were a boat from Coast Guard Station Castle Hill and the Rhode Island DEM.

“It appears that the sailboat was T-boned by the powerboat, Mr. Hall said Wednesday.

Ms. Sebring said she suffered bruising and her husband was treated for cracked ribs and a lacerated chin.

Mr. Hall said there is no evidence that alcohol was a factor but said the incident, including speed, remains under investigation.
Exposure MarineDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_cruise BOTTOMSea Sure 2025

Related Articles

America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? Updated story: America's Cup got underway in Rome on Monday, with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton appears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body.
Posted today at 4:19 am
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta day 1
Ideal conditions for starting the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised by the YCCS with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, got under way right on time today, 28 May 2025 at 11.30 a.m. on the waters off Porto Cervo.
Posted on 28 May
The international entries taking on Transpac
Aloha to competitors from outside the USA Transpac's reputation as one of the premier offshore regattas always draws a contingent of sailors from all over the world.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup Power Plays
And Growing Sailing Through Learning There's always so much speculation and intrigue in-between each edition of the America's Cup. Everyone wants to know what is happening behind closed doors, inside the teams, and when the Challengers meet with the Defender.
Posted on 28 May
2025 is going to be a huge season for IMOCA
Antoine Mermod talks about the season ahead Over the next four years the most exciting monohull class in world offshore ocean racing will take on no less than 17 races, covering tens of thousands of miles of the world's oceans.
Posted on 28 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 28 May
CYCA team to take best shot at the Admiral's Cup
The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black The Australian flag will fly proud on Zen and Back 2 Black during the Admiral's Cup to be held in Cowes from the Isle of Wight from 17 July - 1 August.
Posted on 28 May
78th Annual Block Island Race
A test of grit, teamwork, and offshore strategy The 78th edition of the Block Island Race, hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, delivered classic Northeast spring conditions and a course that tested every sailor's resilience, tactics, and teamwork.
Posted on 28 May
Doyle Sails: Ragtime blends retro and modern
Launched in 1966, Infidel now Ragtime Sailing, has celebrated her 60th year with a refit Tina Roberts has beautifully restored Ragtime Sailing in honour of her late partner's wishes, choosing Doyle Sails not only for the world-class sails but for the depth of experience, personal commitment, and collaborative support that define the team.
Posted on 28 May
The Ocean's Logbook amplifies global voices
A digital survey that looks beyond cold statistics to capture real stories A powerful new campaign designed to capture the world's emotional connection to the ocean is being launched today ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France in June.
Posted on 27 May