The fact that a pier is not a good place to moor a sailing yacht was experienced by two new boat owners on a transfer trip at the beginning of April: They wanted to transfer their second-hand boat from Laboe to Boltenhagen in moderate conditions.
But on the way, the small cruiser's rudder breaks and the boat can no longer be manoeuvred properly. The crew then uses onboard means to head for the pier in Kellenhusen, which is intended for recreational purposes and juts 300 metres into the Baltic Sea on the stretch of beach between Dahme and Grömitz.
According to an employee of the breakdown service Sea Help, the sailors see the way out of the predicament as mooring their damaged boat at the pier and organising repairs or a solution from land. They leave the boat, which is left unattended.
In the days that followed, a strong onshore wind from the north-east arose, bringing waves with it. The boat, still moored to the bridge, breaks free and is pushed under the pier. The mast breaks, and as the small yacht is washed further and further onto the beach, the keel also breaks off.
When the boat is later discovered on the beach, it is in a desolate state; the stern has sunk and the hull is torn open. There is water below deck.
On behalf of the owners, the boat, a 6.50 metre long Golif, finally has to be salvaged with the help of a tractor. It is brought to Grömitz on the back of a lorry - not a great start to the season.
