Sam Coltman and Kelda Smith’s vessel was buffeted by gales around 2,200 miles into their journey from St Martin to the Azores, and this has left the couple stranded
A British couple have been left struggling in the Atlantic Ocean after the mast of their self-built sailing boat snapped in strong winds.
Sam Coltman, 32, and partner Kelda Smith, 31, were sailing aboard their boat, Tonks, 350 miles off the coast of the Azores when the incident took place yesterday.
The couple were on a return voyage to Falmouth in Cornwall having spent the last three years sailing around Europe, the east coast of the United States and the Caribbean.
The pair were 25 days and around 2,200 miles into their journey from St Martin to the Azores when gales took out their mast. The ordeal comes after the boat had already suffered engine failure mid-journey because of a broken water pump.
Describing the terrifying moment he realised the boat mast was gone, Sam said: “I hadn’t been awake that long so I didn’t believe it.
“I was in shock and thought ‘what are we going to do now? This boat is our home – we have lived on board for six years.
“And we have built it from scratch and she means a lot for us.
“We are just making our way forward trying not to spiral and trying not to think too far ahead.”
Despite the ordeal, Sam said that he, Kelda and Alessa Decker – a friend also travelling on the boat – were staying positive as they slowly made their way towards land.
He added: “We can’t wait to get ashore, it will be nice to go ashore and drink a cold beer.”
Sam and Kelda found the boat abandoned in a field in north Devon six years ago and rebuilt it beside the River Penryn in Cornwall over 18 months.
Saying that the vessel is “all they have”, friends of the couple have now launched a fundraiser to help cover the mounting costs of repairs and recovery.
The sailors have managed to rig a temporary sail using a storm jib and are currently travelling at around two knots.
A friend of the couple, Jasper Troje Tuck, who launched the fundraiser said: “Thankfully, everyone onboard is safe, though understandably shaken.
“Emergency services have been informed and are aware of their situation. We’re in communication and are hoping to coordinate assistance.”
He added: “They still have a long way to go before reaching land, and the costs ahead will be significant: recovering from dismasting, replacing essential equipment, repairing the boat and ultimately getting Tonks safely home to Cornwall.”
The couple hope to raise £12,000 for repairs. More than £7,000 has already been donated. To donate to the fund, visit this link.
