We’re raising funds for our good friends Sam & Kelda, who were dismasted in strong winds 350 miles off the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on the morning of 26th May.

They are now without a rig or functioning engine and have a way to go until they reach safety.

They were dismasted 25 days and about 2200 miles into their passage from St Martin, bound for the Azores. They are on their way home to Falmouth, UK after three years cruising Europe, the Caribbean, and the east coast of the US aboard their boat Tonks.

Earlier in the passage they suffered engine failure caused by a broken water pump, meaning the engine could no longer cool properly. They had already arranged to source replacement parts once ashore, but they are now facing the far greater challenge of being without a rig in the open Atlantic.

Despite the situation, Sam, Kelda & Alessa have acted quickly and calmly. They have managed to set up a jury rig using their storm jib and are currently making slow progress at around 2 knots. Emergency services have been informed and are aware of their situation. We're in communication and are hoping to coordinate assistance.

Thankfully, everyone onboard is safe, though understandably shaken. They have lost their mast, mainsail, headsails, communication equipment, and masthead lights. Fortunately, their Starlink, solar panels, and Garmin InReach remain operational.

We have known Sam & Kelda for over 10 years, and they are two of the warmest, kindest, and most resourceful people we know. They are highly experienced sailors and tradespeople — Sam is a skilled engineer and Kelda a talented craftswoman and boat finisher. They are great friends to anyone they meet and always go out of their way to help a fellow sailor in need.

They still have a long way to go before reaching land, and the costs ahead will be significant: recovering from the dismasting, replacing essential equipment, repairing the boat, and ultimately getting Tonks safely home to Cornwall.

Sailors and friends please help us support them. We want to make sure they have the help available to get back on their feet.

If you are able to contribute in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support.

Please share with your friends!

You can track them here at: share.garmin.com/SVtonks