Yacht survives

A yacht that washed up on the Northland coast almost a week after it was abandoned by its Dutch owners was in surprisingly good condition, with its valuable equipment still on board.

A couple in their 60s had been sailing from Nelson to Vanuatu on their 14m yacht Matahari when they ran into trouble off the Hokianga Harbour last Sunday.

They radioed the Rescue Co-ordination Centre to say they had lost their mast and steering, were injured and battling rough conditions. They were eventually located and winched to safety by rescue helicopter.

The damaged yacht was spotted in the surf 2.5km south of Hukatere ramp on Saturday.