Video: French yachtsman describes rescue from ocean as 'a miracle' Delord, 63, set off at the beginning of October, but abandoned his yacht Tchouk Tchouk Nougaton after it lost its mast and its hull was damaged in rough weather. The location, about 500 nautical miles southwest of Hobart, was too distant for a helicopter rescue with Maritime Safety Australia using three aircraft to maintain contact with the sailor until a vessel could reach him. Safely back on land on Tuesday, Delord said he felt like he had a second chance at life. He described the rescue by Orion as "a miracle." Delord said he had already been travelling for three months and he had managed to travel half way around the world before he struck trouble. Delord had received an air drop of food, water, communications equipment and a survival suit while he waited for his rescue.