On a sail last week, halfway between Annapolis and the Bahamas our steering failed. Of course, it was in the middle of the night, in twenty-five knots of wind, and ten-foot seas.
What did we do?
The crew quickly notified me of what had happened, and asked if we should radio the Coast Guard.
This happened during an “Intro to Offshore Sailing” course that I teach for those who would like to experience a multiple day, bluewater sailing trip. There were experienced sailors aboard, but none had offshore experience.
My response to the Coast Guard question was simple, “What would you like to talk to the Coast Guard about, their favorite pizza toppings?” I was not being flippant, but simply trying calm down a somewhat nervous crew. I explained that there are three calls to put out on the ship’s radio, a navigation hazard (Securite), a dangerous situation (Pan-pan) and emergency (Mayday). None of which applied to us, we were not in any danger. Our yacht had plenty of food, water, fuel and was controllable with just the sails.
After the crew calmed down, we investigated to find the cause of the problem. A hydraulic hose had blown and emptied all the hydraulic fluid into the bilge. We had extra fluid aboard, but we would need a new hose to fix the steering system. We needed to find a port and make a stop for parts.
Every yacht carries an emergency tiller that bypasses the steering system and controls the rudder directly. The crew learned how to locate and install the device. Our ship was aimed towards the nearest port, but it would be about 12 hours or so before landfall. I put two of the crew on watch and then went to sleep. It would be important to be well rested for what would come next: We would have to navigate a fifty-thousand-pound yacht through a narrow, crowded inlet using a tiny stick.
As we approached the inlet, it was time to put out the “Securite” (pronounced sea-cur-i-tay) call on the VHF radio to let other traffic in the inlet know of our limited ability to steer our vessel. All went well, yet there was a sigh of relief from us all when we dropped the anchor in the protected waters just inside the inlet. Many of the navigation aids were not lit, so it was important for us to make port before sunset, which we did.
Now to make repairs. Unfortunately, it was Saturday evening and all marine repair facilities were closed and would not open until Monday. That would set us back significantly. To my surprise, we found a mobile hydraulic hose maker that would come to us early Sunday morning! I did not know such businesses existed, but sure enough, the truck with all the machinery and parts to make up hydraulic hoses was waiting for us at the town marina. The parts were fabricated and installed. The crew helped me to fill and bleed the hydraulic system and we were back out at sea in just over 12 hours after making port!
We even made it to the Bahamas on our projected arrival date. The crew learned that long-distance cruising is more than just sailing, but handling challenges that arise. Going through such an experience built their confidence and gave them the opportunity to use the spare parts and tools aboard (steering failure was not the only challenge that the crew delt with on the trip). I look forward to hearing about future adventures as this crew now plans and executes their own voyages.
-Captain Jeff
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