RNLI Brighton Lifeboat was launched to a report of a 32 foot yacht in difficulty somewhere between Newhaven and Brighton Marina.

The single handed skipper was making slow progress through squally conditions towards Brighton when the yachts engine failed.

Due to the spray and general conditions the yachts skipper was only able to pass half of his position over the radio, putting him approximately 1 mile offshore, somewhere along his original track.

The lifeboat made way south to 1 mile offshore and using night vision goggles, started to search in an easterly direction towards Newhaven.

With assistance from a mobile coastguard unit on top of the cliffs, visual contact was established with the yacht at 22:55hrs, just south of Saltdean.

Best possible speed was made towards the yacht, arriving on scene at 23:05hrs.

A crew member was transferred aboard the casualty vessel to assess the situation. Once it was established that the skipper was safe and well, a tow line was passed and made secure.

Given the 2-3m swell, darkness and poor conditions on scene, coming alongside the yacht was extremely difficult and called on all of the experience and training of the crew involved.

Steady progress was made back to Brighton Marina where the yacht was returned to a visitors pontoon and the skipper enjoyed a welcome cup of sweet tea.

Mark Smith, Brighton Lifeboat Senior Helmsman said: "The change in seasons and the associated weather patterns were quickly evident on this callout. The crew were looking for a tired yachtsman, who due to the rough seas and heavy rain had become disorientated and experienced machinery failure. He was very pleased to see the Lifeboat and even more so the warm cup of tea that awaited him in the Boathouse"

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