The Marinervideo
Osprey in Cherbourg, Preparing for Solo Transat!
7 March 2026 · 11 min · 1K views · Cherbourg
Man points at Osprey’s mast track in Cherbourg marina
What this video covers
Refitting a Volvo 80, formerly an Ericsson 80, in Cherbourg requires addressing several critical maintenance tasks before a solo transatlantic crossing. The mast currently lacks proper tension, causing the rig to pump and bend; the owner plans to use a hydraulic power pack to tune the Marconi rig and brace the panels between spreaders.0:58 A custom section of the mast gate track was lost overboard, necessitating a new part machined from a template taken from the original headboard car.3:58 Bilge maintenance revealed an oil leak traced to a loose gearbox drain bolt on the HSV1 gearbox, which shares oil with the main engine.5:19 The owner also installed an inspection hatch on a grey water tank and organized electrical connections using Wago connectors inside a waterproof box.7:29 Dyneema lashings are being replaced, and incorrectly installed shackles on the back deck are being reversed to align with the flat-sided fittings.2:24 Proper rig tensioning and track replacement remain the final priorities before departure.
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