TWO lifeboats raced to the rescue of four people who were stranded on a gale-swept Solent after their yacht broke down.

The three adults and one child had set sail from Hamble on Saturday and were heading to Cowes when the engine of their brand new 43 foot ketch, Fin Lady, failed and strong winds and choppy seas caused their storm jib to be ripped away.

Lifeboats from Cowes and Yarmouth went to their aid and sent a warning to the cruise liner Balmoral that the small vessel could drift into its path.

Cowes lifeboat, launched just before 6 pm, and was first to reach the Fin Lady, near Prince Consort Buoy.

The helm, Scott Armiger, decided that Heather Boden, a very experienced sailor, should go aboard to assess the situation.

Then the yacht was successfully taken in tow.

The Fin Lady was taken to a river mooring at the Folly, and Cowes lifeboat returned to its station soon after 7 pm.