September 16th 2007. In rough seas with a South westerly Force 8 wind blowing, the Dutch yacht 'Windshear' was dismasted near the Varne Bank. Former Dover Coxswain, Dave Pascall standing in as relief coxswain was in charge and the relief lifeboat 17-46 'Margaret Joan and Fred Nye' was launched at 2240hrs.

The lifeboat proceeded to the yacht's position arriving there at 2318hrs. Once on scene it was clear that although a towline could be made fast there would be difficulties in bringing in the yacht into the confines of the marina. This was due to the yacht still being encumbered by her mast and sails which were laying across her hull and projecting several metres either side of her. After some consideration, assistance was requested from the Dover Harbour Board Patrol Launch 'Dovorian'. Once the yacht was towed into the calmer waters of the outer harbour, 'Dovorian' took a stern line from the yacht and she was carefully brought into the marina's waiting pontoon. Once here the lifeboat's shore crew assisted in positioning 'Windshear' so that her masts did not foul any of the pontoon's signage and then in mooring her. Once the lifeboat was recovered onto her berth she was made ready for service and the lifeboat crew assisted the yacht's crew in safely removing the mast, sails and broken rigging.

Subsequent to this service a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI Operations Director, Michael Vlasto was received at the Station.