to pick up the pieces after a near-tragic accident in Rhode Island a fortnight ago.

After initial surveying, the damage incurred when the boat fell from its poppets during maintenance work at the New England Boatyard was feared irreparable, but Mr. Cooper may be prepared to salvage it.

Nevertheless, residents in a 10-mile radius were more concerned with a 12-hour power outage brought on by the accident as the mast hit high tension electrical wires on the way down.

Mr. Elliott Caldwell, who was responsible for the upkeep of the boat in Mr.

Cooper's absence, escaped with his life as he made a desperate 20-foot jump from the aluminium sloop -- but he suffered a broken right heelbone.

Mr. Caldwell reportedly was working down below when he felt the boat shift. As he came up to investigate, the poppets gave way and the three-ton, 61-foot craft fell on its starboard side.

He jumped off just in time as a tremendous electrical surge went through the boat causing damage to the electronics. Insurers and surveyors are presently investigating.

Mr. Cooper is off the Island on business and the family is not prepared to comment on the incident until he returns.

Alphida , bought by Mr. Cooper from Mr. Dick Stone four years ago, beat the four-year-old Marion to Bermuda record of War Baby by a mere 21 seconds -- 78 hours, 33 minutes, 42 seconds -- in June.

She was also first across the line in 1991.