A sailboat, which sank yesterday in the Great Sound area may be a hazard for other boat users, advises Bermuda Maritime Radio.

The vessel, a J24 sailboat called New Wave, belonging to the Royal Hamilton Dinghy Club, was involved in a race when the boat unexpectedly capsized.

No one was injured and there were no reported problems with crew on board.

Bermuda Harbour Radio could not say exactly what caused the boat to capsize, however a spokesperson explained that a harsh wind of 10 to 15 knots passed by the boat unexpectedly around 11 a.m. or noon yesterday.

Another vessel called Cyclone also reportedly tore its mainsail due to weather conditions and the racing was eventually abandoned.

New Wave now lies in 30 to 40 feet of water, about 1,000 feet west of Grace Island; there is a marker buoy in the area to mark its position.

The owners of the boat or the club are expected to raise the vessel this week, in fact there were already divers in the water yesterday afternoon looking for lost items.

Harbour Radio spokesman said: "I'm sure the owner will want the boat raised, I can't see them leaving it down there."

According to the spokesman, the boat's mast is only five feet below the water's surface and not easy to see; therefore there is potential risk for ferries or other boats to hit it.

He advised all mariners to take care when in the Grace Island area which is further out than Paradise Lakes and the furthest western point towards Morgan's Point.

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