One of the UK’s leading superyacht designers has had to have his foot amputated after it was crushed by a hydraulic winch during a yacht race in Slovenia.

Jonathan Rhoades of the Rhoades Young Design Group was a guest on board a 70ft sailing yacht taking part in the Shipman Regatta last weekend when the accident happened.

A doctor was immediately transferred from a nearby yacht to assist but it quickly became apparent that Jonathan needed to be evacuated by air to Ljubjana University hospital.

Despite the best efforts of the hospital specialists, it was not possible to save his foot. Jonathan’s family immediately flew out to be with him and we understand that Jonathan’s spirits are improving.

Jonathan is one of the founding partners of the Rhoades Young Design Group along with Dick Young.

Together they have helped create some of the world’s finest yachts including the interiors for the 43m Vitters sailing yacht Mystere and the 23m Baltic Yachts Black Pearl as well as the exterior and interior styling for the 42m Chantier Naval Bystander.