Sailing Sweet Ruca · video

What this video covers

During a 4,000-mile Pacific Ocean passage toward French Polynesia, the crew of Sweet Ruca experienced two major equipment failures: a broken boom vang and a failed autopilot ram.Watch The boom vang snapped under load, requiring a temporary repair using spare Marlow rope and blocks to stabilize the boom.12:49 Later, a large wave struck the beam while the autopilot operated in high-performance mode, causing the ram to blow.20:21 To maintain course with over a week of sailing remaining, the crew accessed the stern lazarette to remove the damaged unit.20:26 They replaced it with a spare ram retrieved from long-term storage.22:09 The crew also navigated through a low-pressure system characterized by 70-to-80-degree wind shifts and variable conditions, forcing them to transition between reaching and upwind sailing.17:24 They planned their arrival at the Gambier Islands to avoid the eastern pass, opting for the western Luwered Pass to ensure a safer, motor-assisted entry in heavy swell.11:06 Having a spare autopilot ram and the ability to perform repairs in cramped, motion-heavy conditions proved essential for completing the passage.24:27

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.