Yachts broke moorings

The Central Coast division of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol reported the grounding of several yachts during strong southerly winds on April 19.

Publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said the strong winds were the catalyst for broken moorings and stranded yachts.

"Coastal Patrol received the first report on Sunday morning around 10am," Mr Cole said.

"A concerned resident at Wagstaffe advised of a nine-metre yacht aground on the sand bank north of the point.

"Central Coast Lifeboat, under command of Peter Ashworth, was despatched to investigate. "The crew found the yacht high and dry on the exposed sandbank.

"Details were provided to NSW Maritime to enable them to contact the yacht's owner so action could be taken before the next high tide."

Mr Cole said the patrol investigated a second incident at Koolewong at the request of police.

"A yacht was reported as unmanned and drifting towards the shore," Mr Cole said.

"The patrol sent a vehicle to check the report and found a seven metre yacht on the mudflats in the shallows off Tascott.

"No action was necessary, as the vessel was considered safe until conditions improved.

Press release, 20 Apr 2009 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol