According to reports this morning, an air and sea search has been launched off the Cornish coast for a 65 year-old yachtswoman, who has not been seen since she set sail from Mousehole, Cornwall on Saturday (13 October). She was heading for her home town of Bideford, North Devon.

The yachtswoman, who has not been named, purchased the 31ft yacht Seagair only a day before and had a “few hours refresher course” explained the coastguards.

Relatives raised the alarm yesterday when she failed to arrive home. Lifeboats from Penlee, Sennen and St Ives and helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and RMB Chivenor have joined the search.

Steve Huxley, search and rescue manager at Falmouth Coastguard, said: “The woman departed Mousehole on Saturday evening onboard her newly-purchased vessel. We understand that she was heading for Bideford. We have been unable to find her and are very concerned for her safety.”

The Seagair (1985) was on sale for approximately £32,000 in Falmouth and was described by sellers Falmouth Yacht Brokers as having been “maintained in excellent condition” and “in great condition for her age”.