RCCNZ coordinates yacht rescue 3

5 June 2012 - 8.30am

Wind and sea conditions are slowing the progress of the damaged yacht Beau Geste as it attempts to reach the sheltered waters of Norfolk Island's capital Kingston.

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) search and rescue mission coordinator Neville Blakemore said the yacht was making its way around Phillip Island, to the south, in order to reach safe anchorage off Norfolk Island. This was a longer but more sheltered route to the capital.

The 24-metre yacht was being accompanied by the fishing vessel Advance 2.

A bulk carrier, Katherine, is making its way towards Beau Geste to provide some shelter from the wind and sea conditions as it approaches shore.

RCCNZ is coordinating the rescue of 18 people on board the yacht, which sustained damage while participating in the Auckland to Noumea yacht race.

Beau Geste sought assistance from RCCNZ around 7pm yesterday, advising the yacht had suffered damage to its hull and decking and was in difficulty around 100 nautical miles east of Norfolk Island.

Mr Blakemore said the yacht was now around 15 nautical miles from shore.

However, he said it was difficult to estimate how long it would take for Beau Geste to reach a point where it could be safely anchored.

"It could take a while for Beau Geste to reach sheltered waters as the damage is significant and the crew has to take a great deal of care as they turn into the conditions.

"However, they are very experienced, and are well supported with the two nearby vessels assisting."

Kingston does not have a port or marina, so it is expected Beau Geste will anchor in sheltered waters so the damage sustained yesterday can be properly assessed.

The crew is made up of New Zealanders, Australians, Chinese, with one American on board. They are all safe and well.