Tasman kayaker nears NZ
Dramatic drop helps solo rower: video belowTrans-Tasman kayaker Scott Donaldson is less than 180 nautical miles off the Taranaki coast and could land in New Zealand as early as next Sunday (July 6).
Donaldson left Coffs Harbour on April 19 to attempt to be the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea in each direction. He encountered problems and detoured to Lord Howe Island to fix some technical issues before the last big push to New Zealand, all up he’s been on the water for over two and a half months.
"Good weather is forecast through to later tomorrow then another patch of gales and big swells to contend with," was posted on his website on July 29.
Scott has been at the mercy of the conditions almost continuously resulting in the trip taking longer than planned. Additionally one night during a severe storm his rudder suffered some damage so Scott was forced to call for a drop of supplies and equipment to fix his rudder.
John and Mark Funnell of Helicopter Services (BOP) Ltd became involved last week in a critical mission to air drop supplies to Scott (see video).
Scott attempted to replace his damaged rudder assembly but the removal of the damaged rudder allowed water into the kayak so Scott abandoned the attempt and plugged the hole.
At last report Scott had travelled 33nm in 24 hours and according to his website: "Scott is going very well, there is the possibility of an arrival into New Plymouth next Sunday or shortly thereafter, weather and sea conditions allowing."
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
