KEY POINTS:
The stricken yacht V5 is now safely in the Hokianga Harbour with all 13 crew unhurt.
The 16 metre yacht has a damaged keel after hitting something hard off the coast of Northland during the Round North Island race early this morning.
The Hokianga Coastguard reached the boat at about 6am and took nine of its crew aboard, while the remaining four took the boat to safety.
Skipper Simon Hull dismissed speculation the yacht hit a whale, saying they would have heard it blowing air. He said the incident happened in the middle of the night when visibility was restricted, so could have been anything.
Mr Hull said calm conditions enabled the crew to drop the sail and motor into the harbour, but it was comforting to know that the coastguard was with them all the way.
Mr Hull let off an emergency flare after the yacht hit the underwater object, almost completely shearing off the keel, about 1.15am.
The flare was seen by people aboard their fellow race yacht Wired, which left the race and went to the V5's aid.
Maritime New Zealand spokeswoman Julia Lang said the Wired was able to give assistance but rejoined the race once the Coastguard boat arrived at the scene.
- NZPA
