Attessa IV is a very well known superyacht. It’s even been chartered by Bill and Melinda Gates. And anyone who knows about the Riviera will agree that a helicopter landing pad is an absolute must. Until the wind blows too hard.

Here’s a pic of Attessa IV with the helicopter properly parked.

And here’s a new pic of Attessa IV following stormy conditions in France.

Whoopsie daisy!

This, from superyachtnews:

Images of a helicopter that appears to have flipped over on the deck of superyacht Attessa IV in high winds in the Mediterranean have been posted on crew forums and social networks.

“Have been hearing reports of 60 to 80 kt winds in various locales on Med Coast this morning. Just got sent this by someone who was in zero [visibility] and 50+ kts for a couple of hours,” reads one post on YachtForums.com

Although appearing flimsy and almost toy-like against the backdrop of her 101m mothership, considerable damage is thought to have been done.

“The remains of that stormy weather look like a [single engine Eurocopter] EC 120B. The damage on that heli will most likely be a write off, if the rotor / engine assembly is affected,” said another commentator.

More serious is the fatal damage that could have been done, if anyone had been walking nearby on deck. Paul Donaghy, trainer at Helidecks Training Solutions, explained:

“If the aircraft flipped and someone was walking by the side of it, you’ve got a three tonne helicopter plus human, you know who is going to win.”

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[source:boat international and superyachtnews]