Tuesday 22 November 2022 10:08 AM Captain who suffered 'brain injury' on a superyacht is suing businessman's ... trends now

A sailor who says he had to give up life at sea after being struck on the head while he was onboard a tycoon's superyacht is suing for £3.2million compensation.

Trained skipper Adam Prior was an officer in the crew of the Eleonora E, one of the world's most elegant sailing superyachts, when he was hit in the head by a 22lb steel sail pulley during a race off the Isle of Wight in July 2015.

The £7million boat is owned through a company by retired millionaire businessman Zbynek Zak and is a replica of an early 20th century schooner, being hailed by sailing experts as an 'incomparable' masterpiece of design.

Mr Prior is now suing the company which owns the boat, Peras Ltd, claiming he suffered a traumatic brain injury and blaming unsafe weather conditions and lack of maintenance on the rigging for his accident.

But the company is denying all blame - as well as disputing the amount of compensation claimed - insisting that Mr Prior was 'the author of his own misfortune'.

Mr Prior, then engineer officer, was struck by the flying mainsheet block as he crossed the deck while supervising other crew members during a regatta race, London's High Court heard.

He suffered brain damage 'causing long-term problems with fatigue and reduced concentration,' his barrister Linda Nelson told the judge, Master Richard Davison.

Ms Nelson said the accident had taken a devastating toll, adding: 'His injuries were significant and have had a dramatic, lasting impact on his life.

'His personality change - irritability, impulsive behaviour and temper outbursts - have also had a detrimental impact on his relationships.'

And due to his injury, he is no longer able to work on yachts, she told the court.