South Pacific fuel delivery
by Simon Currin 4 Nov 05:31 UTC
South Pacific fuel delivery © S/V Forever & Ever
Two Ocean Cruising Club boats delivered fuel to S/V Ruffian (also OCC) after Ruffian was dismasted mid-passage between Tonga and New Zealand.
Ian & Fiona, the crew of S/V Ruffian, lost their mast 700 miles north of New Zealand despite having replaced their standing rigging last year. Luckily, two OCC boats nearby, S/V's Eleuthera and Zipper, quickly rendezvoused to deliver fuel. S/V Forever & Ever then donated a few more cans giving Ruffian the range to make New Zealand under power.
The rescue authorities were involved throughout but the support was coordinated via social media. A recent survey revealed that 90% of boats cruising in the Pacific have sufficient internet connectivity to use social media offshore.
S/V Ruffian should be in NZ within the next few days where she will receive a warm welcome from fellow cruisers and OCC Port Officers.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of the Ocean Cruising Club.