Velero Regina · video

What this video covers

A boom brake built from a climbing figure-eight, rigged one-third of the way along the boom and led through a cleat and a turning block on Regina, failed to prevent a dangerous accidental gybe on a downwind passage from St. Barthélemy to St. Martin in 20–23 knots.▶ 3:38 Javi had released the brake to bring the mainsail back to center before rounding a headland, then forgot it was loose; the boom gybed twice in quick succession, tearing both mainsheet attachments off the boom.▶ 3:04 With the mainsail completely free in 23 knots, crew Mónica held the helm to prevent another gybe while Javi lashed the boom to a lifeline stanchion.▶ 4:16 Lowering the sail was further complicated when the lazy jack snagged on a batten car and had to be fully detached.▶ 5:00 Two 10mm boom bail rings had shattered on impact; replacements were upgraded to Dyneema soft shackles wrapped directly around the boom — no ring — which Javi rates as far stronger.▶ 8:23 The incident prompted a review of two Practical Sailor articles (linked in the description) confirming that no boom brake substitutes for a preventer in downwind sailing.▶ 5:53 The practical rule Javi draws: mainsail area sailing downwind should never exceed what you would carry on the same wind angle close-hauled.▶ 8:24

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