One of the boats (Nirvana Now) Dave helped with some electronic systems issues while we were in Panama, headed out weeks ago to cross the Pacific on their way to French Polynesia. Unfortunately they had issues with both their sail and rudder. And its now been reported that they had to scuttle the boat mid-ocean. Both Randy and Dawn are safe, having been picked up by another boat that heard the US Coast Guard call for assistance. Randy was a marine diesel engine mechanic, and hence very handy. So whatever happened must not have been repairable at sea or Randy would have been able to manage. We can only imagine how scary it must have been to be disabled mid-ocean. And our hearts go out to them - having just had to sink their home. Very Sad.