Yacht smashes into huge tanker during sailing race

Cowes Week describes itself as "one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events". If a new video from this year's competition is anything to go by, it is also one of the most dangerous.

A yacht named 'Atlanta of Chester' had been sailing in the annual regatta, which takes place in the Solent, when its crew were blown towards an oncoming oil tanker. Unable to steer their boat out of harm's way, the crew clung on as their yacht hit the huge vessel head-on. Amazingly the yacht escaped with only a snapped mast.  

The dramatic accident was captured on film by Tim Addison, who had been recording the race for the cowes.co.uk website. The cameraman could only watch helplessly as the collision sent two people into the water, one of whom was taken to hospital and later discharged.  ·