A small craft warning was issued yesterday as the Bermuda Weather Service charted an approaching gale which will affect the Island for the next few days.

The gale is approaching from the south and winds of up to 35 knots are predicted for this afternoon and tomorrow.

A Harbour Radio spokesman said yesterday he had not been informed of any boats diverting to Bermuda as a result of the weather, although some might want to arrive earlier or postpone leaving the Islandk because of the approaching system.

Meanwhile, a Dutch sailboat which lost its mast 160 miles to the south of Bermuda limped into the Island at lunchtime on Saturday.

A vessel in St. George's came into contact with the 30-foot white sailboat Neander , and reported its situation to Harbour Radio at around 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Later that afternoon the boat, crewed by a lone Dutch sailor, was reported to be 120 miles south southeast of Bermuda, motoring comfortably toward the Island.

A Harbour Radio spokesman said oil tycoon John Deuss's luxury yacht the Bermuda-registered Fleurtje , met up with the boat 95 miles south south east of the Island at 8 p.m. on Friday and gave her fuel.

The spokesman said: "She was just dismasted and the problem might have been what would happen if she ran out of fuel, so we had to monitor her in case she needed a tow or more fuel.'' The Neander is currently in St. George's undergoing repairs to her mast.