On passage A YACHT IN DIFFICULTY in gale force winds, 12.4 miles bearing 015°M from Llandudno lifeboat station, was reported to the honorary secretary by HM Coastguard at 1610 on Thursday, August 4.

RFA White Rover was standing by the yacht, which was on passage from Port St Mary to Holyhead. Lilly Wainwright, Llandudno's 37' Oakley lifeboat, launching at 1630, reached the casualty at 2010.

The wind was south west gale force 8.

The sea was very rough, it was raining and visibility was poor. The tide was four hours ebb.

White Rover provided a lee while the lifeboat took the yacht in tow, and then, at 2020, the tanker continued on passage while the lifeboat and her tow headed back with the tug Mumbles in attendance.

At 2140, as conditions had improved a little, Mumbles resumed her passage.

The lifeboat and tow arrived in Llandudno Bay at 2310, only to find no mooring available.

As a weather report received gave the wind as south west force 8, veering to north west force 8, it was decided to tow the yacht to Deganwy. Setting out at 2345, the river was entered two hours later. The yacht was safely on a mooring at 0200 and her crew ashore by 0215.

Five minutes later the lifeboat started on the return passage to station,arriving at 0315 after nearly 11 hours at sea in gale force winds.

For this service a letter of appreciation signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, Director of the Institution, has been sent to Coxswain Meurig Davies and his crew..