The modern classic 49.5m Eleonora E, a replica of the schooner Westward, was struck by a 60m offshore supply vessel in Tarragona, Spain and then sank
The 49.5m Van der Graaf schooner Eleanor Ea replica of the record-breaking schooner Westward, launched in 2000, was struck by a 60m offshore supply vessel in Port TarracoTarragona, Spain this morning, Friday June 10th, then sank.
The incident happened around 8.15am this morning as the offshore vessel was maneuvering in the harbor and got stuck in reverse. The supply ship struck Eleanor forcefully amidships to starboard, before moving away.
The yacht was moored alongside the breakwater, but soon began to sink. Drone footage from the harbor shows the yacht completely submerged, with just the tips of the masts above the water. Containment barriers are also visible, to prevent possible fuel pollution.
The schooner Eleonora was struck and then sank in the harbor
No crew members were reported injured in the incident.
A major salvage operation is underway to recover the yacht, which is one of the most ambitious modern classic yachts of recent times. Built at the Van der Graaf shipyard in Holland Eleanor E is a replica of the designed by Herreshoff To the westone of the most famous racing schooners in the world which has raced against yachts such as Brittany and Lulworth In the early 1900s.
Eleonora sailing the Old Road Race at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in 2017
Eleanor E underwent a major refurbishment in 2014 and was listed for sale at £6.9million. Approximately 160 feet long from spirit to stern, when sailing the yacht carries approximately 12,000 square feet of sail on both gaff masts. She can accommodate eight guests and four crew in a traditionally styled interior, and comes with two classic wooden tenders – one engine, one oar, both clapboard built to Herreshoff’s original designs.
