Too Much Excitement

Sat Apr 23 2022 20:12:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)

We had a fantastic sendoff from Cabo with some significant waves and wind, sustained 35, gusting 40 the second we got out from behind the wind break at the point. We sailed out rails in the water, playing music, and having a great time. That had the crew in a great mood leaving as it was exciting and we knew it was going to settle down as we got out there. High winds get old quick though, so we were very happy when we got out from the cape and winds began to settle down many hours later.

We had a bit more excitement than we wanted though. At 1am our furler line snapped making a very loud crack. The furler line wraps a drum at the bottom of the headstay and allows us to either roll up or roll out more or less sail area at the front of the boat. The roller reefed genoa then instantly unfurled the rest of the way out to an ominous bang and we then had WAY too much sail out, which put our decks into the water due to significant heeling and created weather helm (the boat wants to turn into the wind). I was able to get it under control quickly and spill the wind, but we were then stuck with the full genoa out and our only option was to sail with full genoa or try to drop it at night in 35 knots which would have been dangerous. We chose to continue as is, knowing it would be safer to address in the daytime and we could safely spill wind until then. Today we removed the broken furler line, installed our old spare furler line, and we’re back in action.

Everyone here is in great spirits and adjusting well to a very rolly start.

-Graham