Yachties give up ill-fated trip after 8 days

A yachting couple were recovering yesterday after being towed to safety by police following eight days of battling the elements.

The pair left Gisborne for Wellington on the yacht Karinya but encountered a series of problems, a police spokesman said.

During their eight days at sea, the yacht's engine developed an air lock, which rendered it inoperable. Damage to the yacht's rigging made it difficult for the crew to tack.

Then they encountered rough weather, getting as close as Baring Head, at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, only to be beaten southeast more than 110km by gale-force winds - taking them in line with the Clarence River in Marlborough.

The police spokesman said the crew were not ones to give up easily.

"They managed to sail back as far as Palliser Bay [off Wellington Harbour] ... when the skipper decided it was prudent to ask for assistance. They were nearing the end of their endurance.

"It would have been a hell of an eight days and they were still talking to each other - just."

- NZPA