RedactedNarrative: On 3/30/14, Operator leaves Demen’s Landing at approximately 1400 heading to Desoto Point/Little Manatee River. Due to high wind speeds, Operator took down his Mainsail and just used his Genoa to sail south. After passing Pinellas Point, Operator reefed his Genoa 1/3 to a Jib size due to increasing wind speeds. 
  
  Operator makes it under the Skyway Bridge at approximately 1630. Operator’ vessel is located approximately 1/4NM from the shipping channel SE of channel marker 23. Upon getting under the bridge, his Backstay snaps and his mast toppled towards the Port Bow. The top of the mast goes over the Port side and touches ground. Operator set two anchors and contacted the Coast Guard. Operator was also in contact with Eckerd College Search and Rescue (ECSAR) and FWC. 
  
  Operator informs the Coast Guard, ECSAR, and FWC that he will be fine for the night and is prepared for the weather. Operator said he would have a friend come out either that night or the next morning to assist his with his vessel. Due to inclement weather conditions, the friend did not come out until the next morning. 
  
  At approximately 1000 on 3/31/14, Operator friend comes out to assist him. At approximately 1130, a Coast Guard vessel stopped and assisted them by getting Operator’ mast out of the water and tied up to the side of his vessel. At approximately 1300, Operator called ECSAR to come and tow him. ECSAR towed Operator to Demen’s Landing. This took approximately 2 hours.