By RNZ
Two competitors in the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge have pulled out.
Graeme Francis aboard Robbery has arrived home safely in Mangōnui, Doubtless Bay after his vessel started taking on water.
He alerted Maritime NZ’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre late last night and they helped to get him back to land.
Organisers of the challenge, which sees yachts race from Ōpua in Northland to Southport in Queensland, say he is safe and well.
A second yacht has also turned back. Bill Kidman has reported issues on board “Pretty Boy Floyd”.
Organisers say they are in regular contact, monitoring his progress home and he is making regular scheduled contacts.
- RNZ