RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated to the effect:  We were coming up to the bridge and I yelled up to the bridge tender, do you think we can make it.  He yelled down at us and by then my wind direction finder struck the bottom of the bridge.  
  
  Witness #1 stated to the same effect as operator #1.
  
  Witness #2 stated to the effect:  The boat was headed northbound, and the operator had no communication with the bridge.  We started to yell out to each other when the sail boat mast struck the the steel girder and went under the bridge.  As the sail boat backed up, it struck and damaged the tip light. 
  
  Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was traveling north, towards the Route 37 Mathis Bridge, Barnegat Bay, Toms River NJ.  While navigating through the bridge, the mast and wind direction finder struck the underside girder of the bridge.  In an attempt to alleviate anymore damage, operator #1 reversed the vessel southbound away from the bridge.  While the vessel was operating in reverse, operator #1 struck the tip light of the bridge, with the mast and wind direction finder bending the arm of the light.  Bridge was not open at time of impact.  Operator #1 failed to determine if risk of collision existed.  (USCG Rule #7)  No injuries were reported.  Damage to the wind direction finder of vessel #1, and bent arm of the Rt. 37 bridge tip light.
  
  No further action taken…