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Boat: All Weather Lifeboat
Crew: Alan Barnes (Coxswain), Tim Julian, John Murray, Chris Price, David Proud, Mark Pollard, John Blakeston, John Lower
Location: 5 miles South of Falmouth
Shout Date: 18/09/2002 (All day)
Weather:ESE 5-6, Rough Sea and Moderate Swell, Good Visibility, Clear Sky

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At 00:05 Falmouth Coastguard requested that Falmouth Offshore Lifeboat be launched to assist the 30ft Yacht Chardonnay which was requesting assistance. The yacht had two persons onboard and was on passage from Caernarfon in Wales to Poole in Dorset. The skipper had become unwell and his crewman had taken over but was concerned that he would need assistance in entering the harbour in the prevailing conditions especially as the yachts engine had failed.

The Offshore Lifeboat left her berth at 00:20 and made best speed to the yachts position, arriving on scene at 00:38. In view of the prevailing conditions it was considered unwise to attempt to transfer a lifeboatman to the yacht, so a towline was passed and the tow into the more sheltered waters of Falmouth Harbour commenced. At 01:30 the lifeboat with the casualty in tow, entered the Falmouth Harbour, and shortly afterwards the tow was shortened and the casualty strapped alongside, for the final part of the journey to the Port Pendennis Marina. At 01:48 the yacht was safely placed alongside the Port Pendennis Marina, and the Offshore Lifeboat was released to return to station.

Both the skipper and his crewmember were then taken to the lifeboat station where they were checked over, given a warm shower and a hot drink, before being released to return to their yacht.

The Offshore Lifeboat was back alongside its pontoon berth by 02:03, where it was refuelled and ready for service by 02:18.