A CAPSIZED catamaran and its one-man crew were saved by Cowes RNLI this evening (Sunday) from drifting into the Solent's busy shipping land.

The lifeboat and its crew were launched just after 6pm to help the catamaran where it was in need of assistance off Calshot Spit. 

Turned over by a gust of wind, the 5.5m catamaran was then pulled along in the tow of a passing yacht, pushing it perilously close to the shipping lane in the Solent — which is used by large container ships and car transporters.

Crewman, Andy Stretton, helped right the vessel and the sailor initially tried to continue on sailing. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Changing his mind, the lifeboat towed the craft ashore to Calshot Slip.

Cowes RNLI returned to its base at 7.15pm.