“42:46.59N 9:03.38W”

1007 Miles since leaving Sandwich

Rigging my emergency anti Orca device on the steering – 19 September 2022

This morning I rigged up our quick release system for the steering gear. I have tested it and I can completely disconnect the rudder from the hydraulic steering system in under 30 seconds which I deem a success. The only downside is that we will have to fold the mattress out of the way in preparation. My thoughts are that we will do this daily until we reach Porto and if the Orca reports down there are to the positive, I will revert back to the old system.

Down sides are:

We have to unmake and fold back the mattress every day which is a pain.

The R Clip is not stainless steel, as I couldn’t find one of those, which means it will only last a few months down there before rusting badly.

It is not as secure as the split pin.

If it falls out the cotter pin will drop out into the bilges and we will be without steering until I find it.

Upsides are:

If we are attacked and I manage to pull the pin quickly enough the hydraulic system and steering arm will not be damaged.

It makes Norma feel safer

It makes me feel safer

Steering gear before the conversion.

Split pin is at the bottom and the cotter pin will be held in by gravity if the split pin should fail.

Split pin and cotter pin removed. The rudder is now free swinging.

Cotter pin and new R Clip with lanyard

All in place and ready to go.

The cotter pin has been pin reversed so that it will fall out if the R Clip is removed.