Swiss-kiwi sailor Julien Blondel is enjoying his stay in Riverton after sailing his yacht there. PHOTO: SUPPLIEDA Swiss sailor who has been living on his yacht in Riverton for the past month will join an international flotilla sailing to Palestine. The flotilla will attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade of the area which has been in effect since 2007, limiting supplies to the area and causing hardship. Julien Blondel, 47, has been sailing around New Zealand on his yacht for the past year. The flotilla, including a hospital ship and another with building supplies, will leave from different ports in Europe next month.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 19, 2026 23:21 UTC