A huge shout out to say well done and thank you to Charlie Musgrove, one of our RYA Instructors, who carried out a real-life rescue with his Day Skipper and Competent Crew students last week.
On the morning of Wednesday 31st August, Charlie and his crew (a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers who were working towards their RYA certificates) left Port Pendennis Marina. Making the decision to put 1 reef in the main to help deal with the lumpy sea state, they headed for a day out on the water. Whilst heading out, one of the family members spotted a small rubber tender that appeared to be struggling to row from St Mawes back to Mylor against the tide and increasing sea state.
Slightly concerned, the decision was made to change course to check everything was OK. It soon became apparent that they were in a spot of bother when the teenagers pointed out that the couple aboard the tender was trying to get the crew’s attention.
With a confident student on the helm, Charlie made contact with the couple in difficulty, who explained that they had engine failure and would be grateful for some assistance.
The family of RYA students sprang into action. They dropped the main sail and with the initial plan to tow the couple, it was later decided that it would be better to safely get them aboard our 42′ yacht, Bewitched. After dropping the transom, the crew worked well together transferring the couple with ease.
The couple were extremely thankful when they were dropped off at Mylor Marina, and contacted Devon Sailing Experiences to express their gratitude the next day. They said, “Please give a big thank you to Charlie for the professional way he helped us back to shore. We hope the course ended well for the family too. Such a beautiful yacht and a kind instructor who came to our aid.”
Good work, Charlie!