practicalboatowner · video

What this video covers

Skipper Tapio Lehtinen prepares the Swan 55 *Galiana* for the Ocean Globe Race following a major refit and a mid-season dismasting. The rig failure occurred due to undersized spreader profiles, incorrect spreader angles, and improperly cut vertical shrouds, which caused the spreader tips to bend under load.3:52 After the mast collapsed during the Fastnet race, the crew salvaged the entire rig and completed repairs in six weeks to secure their race entry.5:46

The refit includes significant structural modifications to improve safety and habitability in the Southern Ocean. Lehtinen relocated the companionway from the cockpit to the cabin top to prevent flooding the aft cabin and installed a teak hard dodger inspired by the Olin Stephens design *Manitou*.8:46 The interior now features a dedicated "boiler room" for electronics, a custom boot-drying system powered by diesel heaters, and a gimbaled navigation station.11:08 The crew, comprised of young Finnish sailors, logged 16,000 work hours and 10,000 miles of training to prepare for the race.6:44

Boats in this video

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