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Nordhavn 40 Atlantic Crossing

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by JWY, May 29, 2022.

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  1. JWY, May 29, 2022
    #1
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    SeaLion and Carver440 like this.
  2. JWY, Jul 12, 2022
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    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    Atlantic Crossed! Philippe, crew, and M/Y Embracing Life are safely docked in Tarragona, Spain.

    Their only mishap became a serious if not life-threatening one when they demasted. More to follow when I have the details. Losing the mast meant that they also lost the use of their stabilization system, the paravanes. One of the ropes from the paravanes got tangled in the prop so they also lost use of their main engine. After wallowing for two days, the seas calmed down enough for one of the crew to dive and free the prop. And then they were on their way to complete the goal of crossing the Atlantic. And they did!

    M/Y Embracing Life will be shipped back to Florida where she will have her mast and paravanes repaired and then await Philippe's next big adventure.
    IMG_5859.jpeg
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  3. gr8trn, Jul 12, 2022
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    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Trawler dismasting not as bad as a sailboat, obviously. But there is a lot of kit on those masts. I imagine not having the flopper stopper paravanes would be more cork like for the ride for sure. I wonder if the lines for the paravane getting in the prop where the cause of the mast coming down. I don't know how the mast is supported on the Nordhavens, perhaps just old wire stays gave way.
    Way to go M/Y Embracing Life. Sure glad you are sharing this Judy!
  4. JWY, Jul 12, 2022
    #4
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    I would imagine the ride was pretty horrific. Obviously the sea conditions at the time warranted the paravanes being extended. Not only did they lose their stabilization system, but not sure how the weight was balanced with broken mast and dangling arms. The order of malfunction was the mast broke, presumably due to a bolt failure, then the paravanes went overboard, and it was then that the rope got tangled in the prop.
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  5. motoryachtlover, Jul 12, 2022
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    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    I have always thought I would see the world with my own boat. But as I have aged I have begun to wonder if I really would enjoy the crossings. There are times I wish the boat would just stop moving but the sea doesn’t stop when you want it to. This story didn’t help assuage my concerns. Doesn’t sound fun. I have been working on my wife to cruise the Caribbean on our own boat (not the one I currently own) and see how we like that. Start there and then see. Maybe now I will go to the Turks and Caicos to see how we like that.
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  6. Brian G, Jul 14, 2022
    #6
    Brian G

    Brian G Member

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    What a great story. Thanks, Judy!
  7. Seasmaster, Jul 15, 2022
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    Seasmaster

    Seasmaster Senior Member

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    Hmmm... Less topside weight means better stability. Dragging paravanes makes for great sea anchor. . . Either way, need barf-bags!! [says "the great Sea Dawg]. Glad the guys are ok! !
  8. JWY, Jul 15, 2022
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    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

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    In theory you're right, but the humorist in me wanted to include phrases like "barfarama," but in the end I am hoping Seakeepers will read this story, offer a "publicity vessel" discount, and maybe even become an advertiser on YF! There will be a serious stabilizer discussion once EL arrives back to home port. Philippe arrives tomorrow. Thank Goodness!