Yachtsman Seth van Mechelen aiming to set sail from Gisborne next week

Young Auckland sailor Seth van Mechelen has his sights set on a Monday or Tuesday departure for Wellington as repairs to has damaged yacht Luna are near completion.But it’s all very much weather dependent. Picture by Liam Clayton

Stricken solo yachtsman Seth van Mechelen has an eye on the weather as he prepares to sail away from Gisborne early next week.

The 21-year-old battled five-metre swells and strong winds when he and his boat Luna hit the southerly storm that lashed the East Coast two weeks ago today.

The 8.5-metre Luna was eventually towed into Gisborne port by the Lion Foundation Coastguard.

“Monday or Tuesday next week looks likely now for departure, depending on the weather window that’s available then,” he said yesterday.

“ I’m hoping to get a suitable weather gap.”

Seth said Sam’s Upholstery Services would have his repaired sail ready by then.

He was working on repairs to the yacht’s engine when The Herald called him.

The Aucklander was bound for Wellington when the storm hit on Friday a fortnight ago.