Atlantic Debrief: 3000 NM, a Lost Rudder, and the Lessons Learned

Atlantic Debrief: 3000 NM, a Lost Rudder, and the Lessons Learned

Author: Shayne & Anna

Key Message: A successful ocean crossing isn’t defined by a perfect passage, but by how you handle the inevitable problems. Our journey was a masterclass in adaptation, proving that a well-set-up boat and a prepared crew can handle even a major failure like losing a rudder.

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Introduction: The Voyage in Numbers

In January 2022, we set off from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, bound for Rodney Bay, St. Lucia—a classic Atlantic crossing. The crow-fly distance was 2,700 NM, but dodging a persistent low-pressure system saw us sail 2,956 NM over 18 days. Our average speed was a respectable 6.85 knots, with daily runs averaging 164 NM. While we had moments of brilliant, fast sailing, this crossing will be remembered for the challenges that tested us and our boat, Paikea.

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The Highs: When Everything Clicked

• Frankie in Her Element: Our fractional asymmetric spinnaker was the star of the show. In 16-18 knots of breeze with a reefed main, Paikea came alive, effortlessly surfing Atlantic swells at 9-10 knots, with peak speeds hitting 17.8 knots (GPS).
• Remote Ocean Magic: After 12 days without an AIS target, hearing the VHF crackle to life with a solo Atlantic rower, Karen Weekes of Shecando, was a surreal highlight. So were the vast schools of flying fish in the lower latitudes.
• Flawless Systems: Our reefing systems, upgraded with Dyneema covers, showed zero chafe. The cockpit-controlled mainsail lock meant most sail handling was safe and simple. The boat’s overall “sailability”—the ease with which we could adapt to conditions—was a constant reassurance.

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The Lows: Stress, Failure, and Fear

• A Scary Encounter: Off the coast of Morocco, a high-speed vessel altered course directly for us. With the family on board and no way to outrun them, this was a heart-pounding moment. A quick call to the nearby Moroccan navy, who we had just spoken to, saw the vessel divert. We immediately made a 90-degree turn and motored west for 100 miles.
• A Broken Rudder, 800 NM from Land: The biggest failure was the loss of our port rudder. We had fitted new rudder blades in Valencia but reused the original stocks. The hollow stainless steel port stock, after nearly 3,000 miles of service, finally failed. It was a disappointment, but not a complete surprise—a calculated risk that caught up with us.
• The “Crossover Sail” Gap: Our sail inventory had a hole. Each evening, as the wind piped up to 21-23 knots, we had to drop the spinnaker and switch to the small jib, plummeting from 10 knots to 5-6 knots. We lacked a furling screecher that could bridge this gap for safe, fast night sailing.

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The Lessons: What Worked and What We’ll Change

What Proved Invaluable:

1. PredictWind & IridiumGO: This was our lifeline. It allowed for weather routing, updating our custom polars (even after the rudder failure), and keeping family informed the moment we had an issue.
2. Redundancy in Steering: Discovering that Paikea could be sailed safely and effectively on a single rudder was the ultimate validation of our hull and rig balance. It turned a potential crisis into a manageable problem.
3. Proper Preparation: The time spent setting up reefing lines and ensuring everyone understood the systems paid dividends in stress-free sail handling.

What Needs Improvement:

1. The Rudders: This is the next big project. The failure has pushed us to commit to designing and building new, complete rudders—likely with winglets—using a carbon fiber stock for ultimate strength and weight savings.
2. Sail Inventory: A furling A3/screecher is now a priority for comfortable, safe downwind sailing in a wider wind range.
3. Solar Power: Shading on our panels was a major issue. We need more solar capacity and a better installation to meet our energy needs.
4. Wing Deck Slapping: A design quirk of the Catana 42, we’ll be fabricating fairings to blend the step into the hull and mitigate the loud slapping in certain sea states.

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Conclusion

Paikea carried us safely across an ocean, even when one of her key components did not. This crossing wasn’t about setting records; it was about testing ourselves and our floating home. The problems we faced weren’t failures—they were the curriculum. They’ve given us a crystal-clear roadmap for the next phase of refits and upgrades, ensuring that the next ocean we cross, we’ll be even better prepared.