Sailing Zephyr · video

What this video covers

During a 22-day Atlantic crossing from Gran Canaria to Antigua, the crew of the 45-ft sailboat Zephyr encountered two critical equipment failures in heavy, gusty conditions.0:30 On the fifth day, a 23-25 knot gust caused the whisker pole attachment on the mast to shear, nearly losing the pole overboard.7:00 The crew retrieved the pole and repaired the end fitting by drilling new holes, though the modification limited the pole's extension and reduced the genoa's downwind sail area.8:02 Shortly after, a routine engine check revealed a sheared bolt on the alternator bracket, which had caused the alternator to vibrate loose and severed a coolant line.8:45 The crew replaced the bolt and resecured the alternator, preventing a total engine failure.11:17 Throughout the passage, the crew managed seasickness, maintained a rotating watch schedule, and conducted a 15-minute plastic collection tow for the Seakeepers organization.17:35 The vessel completed the 3,000-mile transit in 22 days.21:34 Regular engine and rig inspections are essential to identify vibration-induced failures before they become catastrophic.

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