This extraordinary photograph shows the moment the J Class yachts Velsheda and Ranger collided on the race course during Antigua Classics recently. Nic and Michele Cutler who run the ketch Irony, were helping out with chase boat duties for another competitor when they aimed their camera at the two Js hoping for a classic crossing shot during their tacking duel.

Michele Cutler got slightly more than she bargained for. “Before we knew it they were on a collision course. Their rigging hit first, then the bow, then midships then the stern,” said Michele. “We saw four crew leap into the water from Velsheda. It was a terrifying site and we were only glad that no one was injured. After all the boats had moved on we collected several large pieces of Velsheda from the water,” she said.

Velsheda was due in the UK this summer to take part in the JP Morgan Round the Island Race before going on to the Baltic for some cruising, but she will now need to be hauled for repairs. This is likely to happen in Palma, Majorca. Her entry in the RTI race has consequently been withdrawn.