Falmouth Coastguard has admitted it is ‘very concerned’ for the safety of a missing 65-year-old solo yachtswoman.

An air and sea search has been launched to find the unnamed woman, after she disappeared aboard her newly-purchased 31-foot boat.

There has been no contact from the woman since she left Mousehole, Cornwall on Saturday at 6.30pm, heading for her home town of Bideford, north Devon.

The 65-year-old bought the yacht, which is called Seagair and is white with a blue stripe, in Falmouth on Friday and according to coastguards had a ‘few hours refresher course’.

She then set sail from Mousehole – ‘against advice’ – and rounded Land’s End for Bideford.

Lifeboats from Penlee, Sennen and St Ives have been searching for the yacht and were joined by helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and RAF Chivenor at first light today, after the woman failed to contact relatives as planned on Sunday night.

Steve Huxley, search and rescue manager at Falmouth Coastguard, said: ‘The woman departed Mousehole on Saturday evening onboard her newly purchased vessel.

‘We understand that she was heading for Bideford. We have been unable to find her and are very concerned for her safety.

‘Members of the public who may have seen or heard from the skipper of the Seagair should contact Falmouth coastguard on 01326 317575.’

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