A SKIPPER was left to battle large swells east of Cape Hawke after the spline on his drive shaft was stripped.
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The Cest La Vie radioed Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry on Sunday at 7.40am as it tried to survive the five-metre southest swells.
Rescue Vessel Cape Hawke eventually reached the stranded skipper and began to tow him home.
With the swells from the southeast and directly astern of the two vessels, Cest La Vie rode up and over each swell as it came in from behind.
As they passed into the lee of Cape Hawke, the swells dropped to a more sedate three meters, allowing the two vessels a much quieter return for the remainder of the journey.
When the two vessels returned to harbor they battled a strong run out tide and pressure waves running down the entrance, making conditions less than ideal.
When they reached the boat harbour, Cest La Vie was beached alongside the boat ramp, allowing their crew to disembark and prepare the vessel to go back onto its trailer for the long journey home.
The skipper of the vessel was disappointed by the shortened day, but was happy he at least had some fish in the esky.
Marine Rescue Forster Tuncurry reiterates the need for all boat owners to check the weather and sea conditions before going out to sea.