A yacht used to help Royal Marines recover from stressful service abroad was damaged in a mystery incident in Plymouth Sound in the early hours of Sunday 28 August.

The service is now hoping that the yachting community can help with the loan of a suitable boat to provide cover over the winter months while the Sarie Marais is being repaired. Damage is said to be extensive enough that it is unlikely to be finished in time for its intended purpose.

The 12m (39ft) vessel was to be in service from late September, giving troops returning from the troubled Helmand Province in Afghanistan much-needed ‘rest and recuperation’ – although given the military, this was to come in the form of a multi-legged ocean expedition.

She was unattended on her mooring north of Drake’s Island when hit in the stern by an unknown vessel, whose crew failed to report the incident. Damage is said to run into thousands of pounds.

Without a substitute boat the training exercise would have to be called off.

If anyone is willing to loan an ocean-fit 12-15m yacht with a minimum of eight berths they are asked to call Colour Sgt Aldrich 01752 836926. (NB the number was incorrectly listed in PBO magazine as 01752 835926 – apologies.)

Information about the damage to the Sarie Marais should be passed to the MOD Police on 01752 553384.

_{Image: Royal Navy/MOD}