A Royal Hospital School sailor has thanked the RNLI for towing his broken down yacht to safety during snow and hail on the river Stour.

Ed Sibson, along with three other members of the RHS' sailing staff were taking four of the school's Cornish Shrimper 19s from Holbrook Creek to Shotley marina when he got into difficulties on Thursday.

A post rescue briefing by RHS stated that all engines had been through a winter service and all boats had communication devices on board. The morning had been spent rigging the boats and the boats were launched according to plan.

The small convoy of boats left their moorings at 1.50pm and made their way out of Holbrook Creek without incident.

However, as RHS Howe, helmed by director of sailing Mr Sibson, entered the river from the creek, the engine cut-out he unfurled the jib to maintain some control whilst attempting to resolve the issue.

When it became clear that the engine would not restart and that the wind and sea conditions were not able to allow progress under sail either to Shotley or Holbrook, RHS Hawke provided a tow.

After making some headway towards Shotley the towing point failed on RHS Hawke, so RHS Howe dropped anchor to stabilise the situation.

With winds gusting up to 30 knots and squalls of snow and hail hitting the river, and the risk involved with starting another tow so close to shore in the current conditions, Mr Sibson decided that the only option was to call the Coastguard for help.

The RNLI Harwich B Class inshore lifeboat was dispatched to provide a tow into Shotley Marina, where RHS Howe safely arrived at 4.15pm.

A RHS spokeswoman said: "Mr Sibson and the Royal Hospital School are very grateful for the assistance provided by the RNLI."

The four Cornish Shrimpers will be based at Shotley marina during the summer.

RHS is an RYA recognised training establishment based at Alton Water reservoir, located a few minutes from the main campus, with a fleet of RS Tera, Topper, Laser, Firefly, RS Feva, RS200, and 29er racing dinghies. The School also has four Cornish Shrimpers which are used for coastal sailing, and in particular for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

For more information please visit the school website on www.royalhosptialschool.org or speak to Sophy Walker in the Communications Department on 01473 326200.

For volunteering or donation information, visit the Harwich Lifeboat Station website here...