Community rallies behind yacht owner after extensive damageto vessel stranded on Flat Rock

A YACHT that drew significant attention after being stranded at Flat Rock has been removed from the nearby beach and taken away by truck as part of a complex recovery operation.

Maritime NSW confirmed the vessel has been moved to the nearest road access point at the Sharpes Beach carpark, about 1.3km north of where it became stranded.

Authorities and contractors determined a sea-based recovery was no longer viable and instead pursued a land-based operation.

Owner James Latta, who was on board during the incident, plans to begin what is expected to be a lengthy restoration project.

He said he was overwhelmed by the support he had received.

“I just wanted to thank everybody for their generosity and for their kind words,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have made it through this last week without the help of friends and community and it’s nice to see that the Aussie spirit is still alive and well.”

While acknowledging some criticism directed his way online, Latta said negative comments did little to help during a difficult situation.

He said significant work would be required to repair damage to the hull, keel and deck fittings, but he remained committed to restoring the vessel.

“Saying negative things doesn’t help anybody in a bad situation. I’ve always tried to help everyone the best I can, so thank you to those who have helped me in return.

“We’re going to need a lot of elbow grease and a lot of hard work to repair the hull.

“I think we’re going to reinvent Victoria, and she’ll be a unique one-off hybrid.”

Latta has appealed for assistance from anyone with marine repair skills, surplus boat-building materials or marine equipment that could assist with the rebuild.

Despite the extensive damage, he remains optimistic the vessel will one day return to the water.

“Some good things come out of bad situations,” he said.

Anyone wanting to support the recovery efforts can donate at gofundme.com/f/help-james-get-his-home-back-on-the-water