The incident started at about 21:30 GMT on Sunday when the 70m (230ft) tug slowed to check a problem with the tow and was struck on theportside by the Moto Vessel Emsstrom.
To stand a chance of finishing the race in a decent time the crew of the Omani yacht decided to try and move one of the working foils on theportside of the vessel to replace the broken one on the starboard side.
Then, in an instant, the port-side packer throws the hooked end of the rope over the mule's starboard side, his partner catches it, turns it round, and a 16-step dance begins.