SV Nina missing off NZ

[delatbabel]

Rough conditions hit search for missing yacht Nina... | Stuff.co.nz

The Nina has not been heard from since June 4


The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) started a communications search on June 14, as well as daily aerial searches since Tuesday, but have found no sign of the vessel.


An extensive search was undertaken today along the northern west-coast of New Zealand, in an area where RCCNZ predicted it could be based on drift modelling.

[Trim50]

Vessel is still missing. Last message indicated that their sails had been shredded and bare poles remain.

New Zealand rescuers review search for missing US yacht Nina after text message recovered - Telegraph

Search now called off...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...-US-yacht.html

[Trim50]

Now the big question in my mind...why were they crossing the Tasman when most cruisers make their way North to Fiji and then New Cal and on to Brissy or Bundy for good reason?

[delatbabel]

Originally Posted by Trim50

Now the big question in my mind...why were they crossing the Tasman when most cruisers make their way North to Fiji and then New Cal and on to Brissy or Bundy for good reason?

Extremely good question, and makes me wonder why an "experienced" sailor would choose to tackle one of the roughest stretches of water in the world at the worst time of year.

Then again, isn't experience that quality that enables you to recognise a mistake when you make it again?

[Trim50]

I recall while in New Zealand and looking out on the Tasman Sea, thinking how completely horrible and scary the Tasman looked and how happy I was that we would not be attempting to make the crossing to Australia.

I have heard several stories of cruisers that attempted the crossing from New Zealand to Australia and have turned around about 500 miles out after having the snot beat of of them and their boats.

[delatbabel]

It really depends on the time of year. I've had some lumpy and bumpy times out on the Tasman (being thrown sideways off 8 metre waves) and some times where the water was so flat I could have laid my shirt out on it and ironed it.

Lots more information on Cruisers Forum thread here, including pictures of the missing boat:

Schooner Nina - MERGED 3 THREADS - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

[redbopeep]

A Maritime Beauty, Possibly Gone Forever - NYTimes.com

[hartcjhart]

Schooner Nina - MERGED 3 THREADS - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

sadly this foum has decided to 'lock' the thread, perhaps we can give it a home here

I have sent a pm to 'friend of Nina'