Sailing Sweet Ruca · video

What this video covers

The crew of the performance cruiser Sweet Ruca diverted to Algarrobo, Chile, after losing critical screws from their mainsail batten receptacles during a passage.6:57 The loss of these fasteners prevented proper mainsail tension, risking sail damage during the planned 4,000-mile Pacific crossing.7:23 While in port at the Cofradía Náutica del Pacífico yacht club, the crew also addressed a sticking primary winch by re-greasing the internal components.15:30 A local contact sourced the necessary replacement bolts, which the crew secured with blue Loctite to prevent future vibration-induced loosening.17:04 Additionally, the crew refueled to compensate for high diesel consumption caused by light winds and excessive slatting during the initial leg of the journey.7:52 After completing repairs and provisioning, the vessel departed for the open ocean, encountering 14–22 knots of wind and dense fog on the first day of the transit.22:11 Proactive maintenance and securing hardware with thread-locking compound are essential for preventing equipment failure during long-distance offshore passages.

More from Sailing Sweet Ruca

A Storm Is Brewing - The Return of Sailing Sweet Ruca [Ep. 192]Nov 2025Our New Plan REVEALED! Did you guess right? [Ep. 191]Jun 2025Can you guess the new plan? - Part 2 [Ep. 190]Jun 2025Where We’re Headed Wasn’t the Plan - Sailing UPWIND! [Ep. 189]Jun 2025

From Sailing Sweet Ruca — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.