For the second time in just under a year, a small yacht and its skipper have sparked a sea rescue operation.
The “Dixie Cup” was the centre of an air and sea search last May when it became lost for three days enroute from Port Stephens to Newcastle, finally being towed into Newcastle with 65-year-old skipper Bill Valient.
The 6 metre yacht again ran into trouble today when it was dis-masted off Port Stephens when a weather front moved along the coast this afternoon.
It was towed into Nelson Bay by the Marine Rescue vessel Danial Thain.
Water Police added in the skipper’s defence, that he had adequate safety equipment, had logged his departure with Marine Rescue and was sailing in company with two other yachts which came to his assistance, however questioned the decision to leave in deteriorating weather in a small boat.
