Atlantic rescue operation launched after UK racing yachts are sunk and damaged by hurricane force winds

Race official describes storm as 'once in a lifetime'

File photo shows a fleet of racing yachts. Three crews had to be rescued after they encountered hurricane force winds in the north Atlantic (Getty)

A British yacht was sunk and others severely damaged after they encountered hurricane force winds on a transatlantic race to Rhode Island, USA.

A major rescue operation was launched in "extreme" weather by the Canadian Navy late on Friday night.

The Halifax-based crew rescued the crew from three vessels, the Royal Western Yacht Club confirmed in a blog post.

The boats, which sailed from Plymouth, were taking part in the club's Original Singlehanded Transatlantic Race and the Twohanded Transatlantic Race. The 22 boats are crewed by solo or by two people.

But 1,700 miles east of Newfoundland they encountered 80mph winds and 15 metre high waves, CTV News reported.

The Furia was sunk and its crew were taken in by survey vessel Thor Magna, the club said.

Happy was dismasted and its crew were rescued by tug vessel Apl Forward, it added.

The Tamarind also suffered severe damage and its crew was rescued by cruise ship Queen Mary II.

No injuries were reported and all crews are believed to be safe.

"I've been involved with these races for 25 years now, and this is the most extreme low depression going across the Atlantic at this time of year," said race director John Lews, to the BBC.

"So it's very unusual, but these are professional sailors, they're used to arduous conditions but not really a once in a lifetime storm like this one."

Two other vessels, Harmonii and Suomi Kudu, suffered mainsail damage and ended involvement in the race. The Harmonii is returning to the UK and Suomi Kudu to the Azores.

Another vessel in the area has declared an emergency but it is unknown if it is connected to the race.

The races covered 2,900 miles and began on 29 May.