Monday July 9
We left Horta 2 days ago spending the night on Island of Sao Jorge; arriving in the middle of their Jet Ski Racing Weekend. We quickly decided that we would move on to Terceira the next morning. The winds were on the nose once we cleared Sao Jorge which always makes for an interesting sail. About 10 miles from our destination, I noticed a shift in the movement of the boat so took a quick look at the sails. What I saw was the mainsail sagging onto the Bimini. That certainly wasn't right. King!!
The boom had completely split in half. Looked like someone had taken a saw to it. A nice clean break. King and Ed secured the dangling end before lowering the main. Time to turn on the engine and contemplate next steps. Everyone was thankful that if it was going to happen, it happened here, not on the jump to Ireland.
Friends we met in Horta were waiting for us in Terceira to help commiserate our loss. We became a bit of a tourist attraction as we all gathered this morning to dismantle the boom and sail. Before we were done a local was at the boat to look at what needed to be done and offer repairs. He had been called by the Harbor Master. What service.
The rest of the afternoon was spent talking with the manufacturer and exploring options. Do we repair or ship in a new boom? Decisions to be made tomorrow. Tonight there is 1 euro wine!
 |
| It broke! |
 |
| Not one of our better days in the Azores |
Wow! I can't believe that happened, was there a weld on the boomat that spot? Like you said, much better to happen where it did than on the way to Ireland.
ReplyDeleteYou all have had some interesting breaks along the way...if you have to have them, seems like you were fortunate on the timing. Thank goodness it didn't wait until half way to Ireland!
ReplyDeleteWow! I am also extremely glad this happened now instead of during the next 2-week crossing. I am hoping you get a new boom as once the metal has been compromised it seems like it would never be quite the same again.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for keeping us up-to-date on your adventures... and GREAT blog title, by the way! I love your writing :) Much love to you both ~ Barbara