5 Tips for Repairing a Yacht in an Emergency Situation

Jack Bouttell was part of the 11th Hour Racing team led by renowned yachtsman Charlie Enright. During the Ocean Race, he was responsible for the boat's repairs throughout the entire 14,840 nautical miles. 

Jack Bouttell. Photo and Copyright: Amory Ross/11th Hour Racing

During the regatta, the team encountered many technical problems: from broken spreaders on the mast to serious damage to the rudder and broken winches. These unexpected challenges helped Jack come up with five key rules for emergency repairs.

These tips are relevant not only in ocean racing conditions, but also in more relaxed cruises.

Tip 1: Use Checklists

Before heading out to sea, Jack advises carefully creating checklists of required equipment and spare parts, as well as a checklist of potential problems. At the end of each stage of the Ocean Race, his team analyzed the condition of their boat and the boats of their opponents, which made it possible to plan repair work in advance and avoid possible problems.

This approach will help you stay prepared for a wide variety of situations at sea. Sharing experiences with other boaters can also help you identify common problems and learn how to prevent them.

Tip 2: Make safety a priority

On a yacht, all breakdowns can be divided into two categories: those that threaten safety, and those that worsen the quality of life on board. Issues affecting safety should always be addressed first. Repair work should focus on eliminating these problems, and the range of spare parts should be tailored to the most vulnerable elements of the yacht.

After eliminating critical faults, you can move on to solving problems that affect comfort. On the open sea or during a regatta, safety issues are resolved immediately, which, unfortunately, often leads to a temporary loss of comfort for the crew.

Tip 3: Keep records of spare parts at sea

You should not rely only on your memory - it can fail. Keeping parts usage lists will help you know exactly what you use and how much of it you use. With experience, you will learn to determine which parts are critical and which parts can be taken in smaller quantities to save space in the hold. 

Jack shares his experience: “At our last Ocean Race we went to sea almost light, but with a decent set of spare parts. However, compared to previous regattas, this set was quite small.”

Consider your sailing location. For example, in the Mediterranean you may need less spare equipment than in the open ocean.

Tip 4: Get Creative

Sometimes problems on board a yacht can be resolved by following the manufacturer's instructions. However, breakdowns occur that are not described either in the documentation or on the Internet. In such situations, it is important to be creative.

Jack says: “One day in the Indian Ocean our mainsail halyard broke. There was no sewing machine on board, and thread and tape were useless. The solution was found spontaneously: someone suggested using a carbon plate as a patch, securing it to the sail with thick threads. This non-standard repair helped us reach the finish line.”

Tip 5: Spare Parts

Nature is unpredictable, and its whims can lead to serious consequences. It's always a good idea to have spare parts, even for spare parts. This will help keep you calm if the last repair did not bring the expected result.

A sail repair kit is a must, even if the sails are new. Consumables, such as electrical tape, should also be in the arsenal in several copies.

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Fishermen, general gathering! The Interparus team has prepared an issue for you with recommendations for fishing on a yacht. Let's talk about the equipment and our experience. Enjoy watching!

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08.06.2024