Sailing Sweet Ruca · video

What this video covers

Kate, Curtis, and their dog Roxy sail the 40-foot sailboat Sweet Ruca on an 1,800-mile passage from American Samoa toward the Marshall Islands.1:06 During the transit, the crew experiences variable conditions ranging from calm, motor-dependent days to steady 12-to-14-knot reaching winds.2:28 While sailing under a broad reach, the crew discovers the Genoa’s carbon fiber laminate is delaminating, with the mylar layer peeling away from the internal structure.16:42 To perform a shorthanded takedown, they steer the boat downwind to blanket the headsail behind the mainsail, successfully dropping it without further damage.14:32 They replace the damaged sail with a smaller, older Dacron number 3 jib, adjusting the sheeting car position and adding an outside lead to optimize the trim.18:59 The crew continues the passage toward the Marshall Islands using the smaller headsail while monitoring the delaminated Genoa for potential repair.19:09 Shifting to a downwind heading effectively shields a damaged headsail from wind pressure, allowing for a controlled, shorthanded takedown in moderate conditions.

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