Transtasman kayaker Scott Donaldson departing from Lord Howe Island on May 18. Photo/File
Former Rotorua man Scott Donaldson almost has Mt Taranaki in his sights as he makes the final push for home.
The trans-Tasman kayaker now sits around 180km from New Plymouth, with the most critical part of his journey about to come.
On his last attempt to cross the Tasman,
injury forced Donaldson to abandon the quest 80km from the coast and he was flown to land by rescue helicopter.
He was met by a support boat in the early hours of yesterday morning, and was re-stocked with a few supplies for the final push towards home.
The vessel has trailed Donaldson for the past 36 hours and is about to head back to New Plymouth.
Team leader Nigel Escott said meeting Donaldson with a boat was always part of the contingency planning.
"We planned this some time ago, even going as far as rehearsing how Scott and the vessel would find each other at sea," Escott said.
"With his GPS location updated on the boat every few minutes, he was actually very easy to find, even considering it was in the dark of the night.
"We've restocked Scott with some of his favourite foods, so he's enjoyed some sausage rolls, a few chicken sandwiches and some Peanut Slabs.
"We've also taken the opportunity to make sure his on-board batteries are fully charged and everything is set for this final phase of the trip."
Escott said having the support boat rendezvous with Donaldson had also given the kayaker a huge confidence boost.
"We have to remember, Scott has been out there alone in the Tasman Sea now for six weeks since he left Lord Howe Island on May 19.
