A vigilant Wellington Police Maritime Unit has found a $248,000 yacht stolen from the Marlborough Sounds.
The yacht was found on Saturday moored at Evans Bay, and a 34-year-old man was arrested at the marina. He appeared in the Wellington District Court today charged with theft and was remanded on bail to reappear on 7 August.
Senior Constable Dave Houston said the immaculate 12.2 metre yacht Noe Noe is usually moored at Waikawa Bay. The vessel had recently been sold and, on 14 July the agent looking after it for the new owner reported it stolen to Picton Police.
"Marine radio stations were advised so there were plenty of people keeping an eye out for it," Senior Constable Houston says. "There were several sightings of the yacht last week in the Mana area and then it came round to Evans Bay.
"We had the yacht under observation on Saturday as there didn't seem to be anyone permanently on board."
With police positioned on shore and at sea, they watched with interest as a man rowed out to the yacht in a dinghy, put something aboard and then row back to shore - straight into the arms of the law.
Senior Constable Houston said it is quite rare for boats this large to be stolen as they are easily recognisable, even when their nameplates or other features are changed slightly.
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