Organisers of a disastrous yacht race off Southend were fully aware of the weather forecast before they set sail, the coastguard claimed today.

A major rescue operation was launched when the annual Brass Monkey race held by Leigh Sailing Club was lashed by gale force winds and severe rain squalls.

Yachts capsized and 15 men had to be plucked from the sea as the doomed event was abandoned and the RNLI and police helicopter fought to save the men.

Today coastguard spokesman Bruce Lack said the yacht club would have known of the force nine gale warning issued on the day.

He said: "The Coastguard Agency was broadcasting weather information every two hours telling everybody in our area there was a force nine gale forecast.

"The forecast weather was exceptionally bad and the coastguards are available 24 hours a day to advise people on the weather conditions."

"I have been at sea for 30-odd years. I would never set out in a force nine."

Organisers allowed the race to go ahead, but it was scuppered within minutes.

Andy Humphris, spokesman for Leigh Sailing Club, claimed all competitors in the 32-year-old event were experienced sailors.

He said: "Shortly after the dinghies rounded the first marker conditions deteriorated and many of the experienced competitors retired from the race, but as they attempted to return to the shore all of the dinghies capsized."

Safe on the shore - rescued sailors take stock of their damaged racing yacht

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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