The last miles were calm, plenty of whales, but no wind - so we dropped the sails and motored. 

Some 400 metres off the breakwall, the engine revs dropped and it stopped. 

Only 60 hours old and with several hundred litres of fuel still in the tanks, it was a mystery. 

We changed filters, used the hand pump but to no avail - we were dead in the water and with no recourse other than to call in assistance. Cue Port Macquarie Marine Rescue. 

Their response was immediate and within 15 minutes their Steber 38 had us in tow and on our way to the marina; I doubt the old yacht has ever travelled so fast. 

This letter is by way of thanks to both the radio operators and crew, all of whose professionalism quickly resolved what might have been a sticky situation. 

John Hawkins, Port Macquarie