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Puddle Jump Boat Rescued by Mexican Navy
April 9, 2004 - South Pacific
John and Renee Prentice of San Diego were among the most experienced sailors in this year's Pacific Puddle Jump fleet, and their Serendipity 43 Scarlett O'Hara was very well equipped. But that did not make them immune to breakdowns.
Having departed Puerto Vallarta on March 15, they had sailed 700 miles of the 3,000-mile passage to the Marquesas when, at 3am on March 20, their rudder broke off. "We tried to build an emergency rudder," explained John, "but it lasted only a few minutes in the large seas and strong winds."
Luckily, they were able to raise Don Anderson of Summer Passage who assisted them in contacting the Mexican Navy, which initiated a rescue and eventually towed Scarlett O'Hara all the way back to Manzanillo. "We cannot say enough good things about the way the Mexican Navy handled us - they towed our boat for six days!!!" said John. "They were professional and very concerned about our safety and were careful to not cause any further damage to the boat."
The Prentices are now completing repairs and say that they'll probably give the Puddle Jump another try next year. Three cheers for the Navy!
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