A New Zealand yacht, which took part in protests against French nuclear testing in the 1990s, is being towed to New Caledonia for repairs after suffering engine problems and hull damage during rough weather.
The 23-metre trimaran Triptych was en route to Northland from Fiji when an anchor came loose during the night on Sunday, about 350 nautical miles off Noumea.
"We had a rough night and the anchor made a hole in our main hull," yacht owner Grant Scurrah told NZPA via satellite phone today. The accident happened in a 4 to 5 metre swell.
There was no threat of taking on water but the hull damage was a concern, and the crew of 12 friends were heading to Noumea for repairs when engine trouble struck.
They spent hours trying to fix the problem, but water had mixed in the fuel.
"We realised we did not have enough fuel to motor to Tonga, and there was a New Zealand tug in the vicinity, and they came to the aid," Mr Scurrah said.
Maritime New Zealand and its equivalent in Noumea had been very helpful, he said.
Everyone on board was well and there was enough food and water.
"It's beautiful out here in the South Pacific, it's a beautiful day," he said.
The crew, who included experienced sailors, were due to reach Noumea tomorrow, and fly home next week.
The yacht should return to New Zealand in about a month after it is repaired.
Triptych was one of the 46 or so vessels that left Australia and New Zealand to protest French nuclear testing at Mururoa in French Polynesia in 1995.
