Letters
and tingling in her left hand and arm. We initially thought this was related to a pinched nerve in her neck. Over the next several days the symptoms progressed to include general numbness on her left side and down her left leg. As you might imagine we were getting fairly concerned. We contacted Tahiti Yacht Agents (who we had already retained as our agent for the paperwork and bond formalities). They advised us on the best approach to getting my wife to the hospital in Papeete. Per their instructions, we altered our destination from Hiva Oa to Nuku Hiva (since the clinic is better there) and they provided us with the contact information for Mamao General Hospital on Tahiti. We arrived at first light on June 18th, and dropped the hook in Taiohae Bay and immediately went to the clinic. They put a cervical collar on her (still thinking it might be a spinal nerve problem). The doctor arranged for a priority seat on the daily flight to Papeete and she was off to the Mamao General Hospital in Papeete, Tahiti. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a malignant brain tumor that was causing the problems and she had to be immediately evacuated to the U.S. for emergency surgery. I put the boat “to bed” with the help and support of several other cruisers at Nuku Hiva (you know who you are and you have my undying gratitude). I dealt with the Gendarmerie and flew back to be with my wife for her surgery and follow up care. At the same time I arranged for a delivery crew to return the boat to the U.S. Tahiti Yacht Agents was incredibly helpful (at no additional charge) in changing all of our paperwork to include the delivery crew. They also arranged for the 2,500 gallons of diesel needed for the boat to make it back to the U.S. This is not their normal service and they charged me nothing to arrange all of this by long distance so that it would all be waiting for me when I returned to Nuku Hiva with the delivery crew. This will allow me to spend the minimum possible time away from my wife at this difficult time. It is literally impossible to express my profound gratitude for the support they provided us during this difficult time.
My wife’s illness is a fairly devastating end to our
cruising dreams but not the end of all dreams. As the rest of you consider which yacht agent to use in French Polynesia, I hope you will consider Tahiti Yacht Agents. When you talk to them, please let them know that you heard about their kind, selfless, and helpful support to a crazy couple on a single engine trawler, that had to cut short their cruising but not their joy for life. Also, remember to enjoy the privilege of sailing among the remote and beautiful wonders of this fragile planet of ours. All the best, James York M/V Antipodes
www.yorksafloat.com
Find Lewmar products at:
Fisheries Supply Seattle, WA 800-426-6930
Redden Marine Bellingham, WA 800-426-9284
Harbor Marine Everett, WA 425-259-3285
Sexton’s Marine Portland, OR 503-289-9358
Englund Marine Astoria, OR 800-228-7051 Newport, OR 541-265-9275
The Navtec Integral Backstay Adjuster has been redesigned to be 10% lighter than previous models. In addition to design improve- ments in shape and styling, the new adjuster has eliminated the external feed tube. It has softer edges on the jaw and body. Cotter pins, which often catch on sheets, lines and sails, have been r emoved. These improve- ments help boost reliability without affecting stroke. The Series 9 model has features for racers and cruisers alike.
• Ergonomically gauge location
• Longer Stroke for modern masts
• Faster acting pump
• World wide service support
Available in clear aluminum or black hard coat finish
48° NORTH, AUGUST 2010 PAGE 15
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