A superyacht belonging to a multimillionaire former American Ambassador was allegedly involved in a terrifying near-miss collision with a catamaran skippered by a Hollywood screenwriter.
The Baca, which belongs to ex-diplomat Kathryn Hall – who is now a renowned wine maker – almost rammed into the Hobie Cat 16, according to movie wordsmith Tim Baker.
Both boats were in La Baie des Fourmis (Ant Bay), on the French Riviera, on Wednesday afternoon.
The 43 metre (141ft) Baca was approaching moorings near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat at about 3pm, when it neared the 5 metre (16 ft) Hobie 16, which was under sail, and so technically had priority right of way.
Mr Baker, who was at the tiller of the catamaran, said: 'We were on a starboard tack in a light breeze, making best use of our apparent wind.
The Baca is a whopping 43 metres long, and can cost up to $195,000 per week to hire, according to a yacht hire firm
The wordsmith said the Baca was acting aggressively as it careened towards him
Kathryn Hall (left) was the former US Ambassador to Austria between 1997 and 2001, having been sworn in under Bill Clinton (right)
'I was aware of the Baca entering the bay behind us, and as the give-way vessel, expected her to slow or change course out of precaution, even though we were still well ahead of her and maintaining a good margin of security.
'But the Baca took on speed and instead of pulling away, tried to overtake and cut in front of us.
'We had restricted maneuverability and there was little we could do by way of evasive action except stay our course, as otherwise we risked either entering the dead zone or being forced to jibe in what was suddenly becoming an uncomfortably tight passage.
'Then the Baca sounded its fog horn right behind us, which felt more like an act of aggression than warning.
'It was as though the Baca thought it was overtaking in a channel. It was not only bizarre but also highly dangerous.
The screenwriter claimed that the Baca accelerated towards his catamaran, and very nearly took him out
Tim says that the Baca was violating maritime laws with its risky maneuvers that may have had disastrous consequences
Kathryn Hall now works as an award-winning winemaker, having produced wine since 2001
'Two crew members on lower levels of the Baca were hanging out portside, watching intently as the Baca looked like it was going to shear into us.
'I called out to them in French, but received no response. One of the Baca crew members began preparing a ladder over the rail, as though expecting someone to end up in the drink!
'When the Baca was about ten metres away from our helm, it finally changed course and slowed, creating surface turmoil, but we managed to sail through it and continued on our course.
'That was when we noticed the Baca was towing an unmanned tender boat about 30 or so metres behind it without any flags on the tow line or tender - a dangerous practice and another violation of marine law.
it is not currently known whether the former ambassador was onboard the Baca during the terrifying incident
A week on the Baca can cost up to $195,000, according to yacht hire firm Yacht Charter Fleet
'Afterwards, the Baca remained stationary for about 20 minutes after our encounter - I imagine someone was having either a stiff drink or getting a good ticking off!'
Mr Baker was on the Hobie 16 with another experienced sailor and fellow member of the local Beaulieu Yacht Club and Sailing School, Ugo Bolsieri, a retired auto engineer.
It is not known if 76-year-old Ms Hall, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Austria from 1997 to 2001, was on board her yacht, which is frequently chartered out.
Yacht hire firm Yacht Charter Fleet says that hiring the Baca for just one week can cost up to $195,000 (£153,900).
The boat can comfortable hold up to 11 people across five cabins., with the hire firm saying that it is: 'One of a kind, offering world-class onboard amenities coupled with an overflowing toy box full of the latest water sports gear for unforgettable yacht charters wherever you are.'
Those in charge of the Baca on Wednesday were not immediately available for comment. MailOnline is trying to contact them.
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