A YACHT skipper who came to Guernsey to celebrate his 60th birthday in the Swan Regatta ended up in hospital after a collision at the start of yesterday’s race. David Pitt and his eight-strong crew on board the 37ft yacht, Coosi Fun Tutte, were due to take part in a race around Sark.

As they were making their final preparations for the start of the race in the Little Russel, the French yacht, Grain De Soleil, crashed into its side.

Mr Pitt was thrown off balance with the force of the collision and broke his nose and several ribs.

He was treated on board by a woman doctor from the UK in the crew of Selene, one of the 18 boats competing in the race.

Swan agent John Irving, who was also competing, said that he did not see the collision but heard about it on the radio.

‘The race organisers swung into action very quickly,’ he said. ‘There was a doctor on board one of the other boats who got across to David and went with him to shore.’

An ambulance picked Mr Pitt up from the Albert Marina at about 10.30am. He was taken to hospital and was released later that afternoon.

‘We’re very happy to hear that David is ok,’ said Mr Irving.

‘He’s organised quite a big 60th birthday party. Knowing him, he will still make it out – he’s quite a character.’

Serious damage was caused to the stern quarter of the boat during the collision. The bow of the French boat was also damaged.

The English yacht had come to Guernsey on Saturday. The crew, from Surrey, intended to celebrate Mr Pitt’s 60th birthday at La Nautique on Saturday before sailing home the following day.

‘The boat is unraceable,’ said one of the crewmembers. ‘We’re disappointed, but we’re looking forward to spending the next couple of days in Guernsey.’

Mr Pitt declined to comment. The race was delayed for an hour due to the incident.