A Greek court has convicted three Sunsail holiday firm staff of negligence after Laura Morgan, 11, of Woodborough, died on 31 July 2003 in Paleros when the Hobie 15 catamaran she was sailing capsized and trapped her underneath.

Greek regulations say under-16s must be with a grown-up when they sail, and since the accident instructors should carry a knife on the rescue boat.

For more info see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/4829102.stm and http://www.lrmt.co.uk/Laura_Rose_News/index.htm.

I guess this conviction will probably see further regulation of catamarans when used by holiday firms, maybe mandatory mast head floats.

Gareth