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Yacht troubled during Pacific crossing
Skipper Steve Dawson, 63, along with his daughter Shifrah Dawson, 19, Broch Carter, 23, and dive instructor Charlie Harris, 29.have spent nearly a week dealing with severe weather, mechanical failure, and limited power after the 'Cahuna' lost its rudder in the South Pacific, about 400 nautical miles from Fiji. The Whangārei based yacht was adrift about 300 nautical milesfrom Fiji, when the Tauranga-basedhospital ship 'YWAM Koha' (IMO: 6815691) diverted from a planned Pacific outreach mission to assist. The yacht had departed the Riverside Drive Marina on June 11, 2026, with another yacht, the 'Third Wind' (MMSI: 518998460), as part of a planned Pacific passage. The two vessels sailed together initially, but conditions began deteriorating around the fourth day near the Minerva Reef region, where a developing weather system forced both yachts to adjust course. The weather system was heading down over Minerva, ahd the 'Third Wind' went out west to go around the edge of it. The boats ended up about 40 miles apart, but stayed in close contact During the worsening conditions, Dawson reported steering issues on June 16. It turned out that the rudder was gone, which left the 'Cahuna' without primary steering in winds up to 40 knots and swells reaching heights of five metres. The conditions deteriorated rapidly, with the boat being tossed about. The crew deployed a sea anchor to stabilise it, but the line later snapped. They then improvised a drogue made from chain and rope to slow the boat while attempting control using sails and limited engine power. As conditions eased slightly, Dawson began building a makeshift rudder using a spinnaker pole and plywood. Another setback came when a large wave flooded the yacht, destroying power tools. Despite this, Dawson continued work on the jury-rigged rudder using a vacuum cleaner battery as a power source. The crew also received assistance from the Canadian yacht 'Naida' (MMSI: 316009847), which transferred jars with diesel fuel across a line. However, a line became entangled in the 'Cahuna’s propeller, leaving the yacht unable to use its engine. About 300 yachts sailing this week from New Zealand to Fiji, as part of the Pacific Rally group, were also unable to help due to the weather conditions. The 'Cahuna' crew maintained contact via Starlink satellite communications, though power was limited. The 'YWAM Koha' departed from Tauranga for Fiji on June 19 and is expected to reach the 'Cahuna' on June 27. Although the was is not considered in immediate danger and no mayday has been issued, maritime authorities have been notified. Commercial towing was considered but estimated to coast about $180,000. The captain of the 'YWAM Koha' was in direct communication with the skipper on the 'Cahuna'. Along with technical advisors he was working on calculations to make sure it is safe for the 'YWAM Koha' to tow the 'Cahuna' to a safe anchorage in the Suva harbour, while also seeking advice from the insurers and the legal counsel. Report with photos: https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/382445-tauranga-rescue-ship-heads-to-aid-stricken-yacht.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawSl4L1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJ18feTLHqQOAZ5NslYS_AJpdAYIBnt3LizkxG4I0H-LdDjpg-mWhoHOinIM_aem_t-upn_K6wilh7dtZ7Y7oqQ
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