Double dismasting in the middle of Atlantic Ocean - Real time update from disaster zone…

[@joseerazevedo]

!!! If there's one sailboat in the ocean I would never think would face such a situation, this boat was Aquarius. Well, life surprises us! Nice to you're both fine, already found help on the way and it seems will do it fine to a port. Please, after you arrive and are well explain to us what happened, what you believe was the cause of the failure, ok? Didi you had the rigging checked after Socotra? Wish you calm seas, a steady favorable current and all my best positive thoughts! Hope to hear good news from you soon! Be patient, I'm sure you'll do it!

[@wasupmike22]

Ok but WHY did it break in 11kts of wind? There must have been something terribly wrong with the rigging.

[@seedillume9169]

I woke up to see this video and cannot believe the unfortunate bad luck to lose one mast let alone two masts. 😮 However, the strength of Amels deck, the very long range of its motor and fuel tank mixed with your intelligences will save you both. I am so glad you were prepared with the internet, radio and your skillset to find help resources in the vast ocean. I wish you both the best of luck. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[@SandyCurrie865]

What an incredibly brave and positive video! Ken - you have done amazing work getting your electronics running and making the boat safe for the long journey to Martinique. Zivile your candid remarks about how you are feeling about your situation display a very solid inner strength. Both of you are to be congratulated on how you are managing the situation placed before you. Safe travels westward and here's hoping that repair you can repair Aquarius and start lap 2.

[@jackbarnes6929]

As they say, Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. You two did it all. Aquarius can be repaired.

[@albanoabrantes8265]

Big hugs Captain Ken, you are the strongest man, together with your wife Zivile (Isabelle) you guys are the example to survive in this accident on the Ocean. Keep in going, Keep in going almost there. ⚘️⚘️💙💙💙💙🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🌍🌎🌏⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️ God bless 🙌

[@stephenburnage7687]

Two bits of wisdom from my cruising buddy boat (who is an experienced shipwright). He has long argued: 1. Dont sail downwind with a twin headsail configuration unless the rig was specifically designed for this; 2. Racers tune their rig for speed. Cruisers should tune for longevity and reliability. He is particularly critical of riggers that tune the stays as tight as guitar strings, as likely neither the chainplates nor the boat itself was designed for such stresses (particularly newer, more lightly constructed production boats). Me? I only sail with a headsail + mainsail and have my stays tuned to the minimum (necessary to achieve tension on the leeward stay on a reach). Of course, we have no idea what caused this particular incident so these thoughts may or may not be relevant.

[@numerical968]

Amels are specifically designed for double headsail sailing. I'm sure they lost a swage from SCC.

[@valerieb.4912]

The Sailing Community is FANTASTIC! Times like this makes me very proud of being a sailor. Happy Sailing ⛵

[@a2022z2]

Sailing downwind over the Atlantic is very, very hard on the rigging and the boat. Load switches from side to side every 4-6 seconds. You might think it is not lot of load. But the rig take up all the momentum from the forces from the keel. In one hour you the load shifts from side to side 700 times. That is 16800 times over 24 hours. If your rig is old, not tuned right, things like this can happen even in light conditions.

[@donnasingleton6320]

Thank goodness for SV One Planet and also that you aren't dependent on an electric motor!

[@erichyney6287]

I'm sorry about what has happened to you and your vessel. I'm glad that you're safe. That's the main thing. Please keep us informed. Please, please, be safe...

[@shelleyhale3039]

Oh My God. What a shock to see the opening of this video. I initially guessed you came across someone else dismasted. So sorry this has happened but so good you are both OK. Best wishes for a safe return to land.

[@nickgustin]

You two are a couple of really tough Sailors. Really good to hear you all are getting assistance. Also proud of you two for all the emergency work you’re pulling off; replenishing at sea, rerouting/repairing/rewiring equipment to bring systems online, and still operating as a team. These videos are a really good thing for us all to see too. Invaluable data that’ll show, anyone in a situation like this, some of the things that can be done to get out through the emergency. People take their masts off all the time (at the yard). Although insanely traumatic to do under sail, thousands of miles from land…. Trying to keep your spirits high. Stay strong 💪 you two!

[@ashley-tm1uk]

it’s admirable to see that you both seem to be very composed for experiencing such a traumatic event… it must be hard to see from your perspective right now, but you were blessed in so many ways…hope you make land safely…boats can be fixed…i hope you’re back on the water soon and better than before…

[@JayPerrypersonal]

Guys, you have done an amazing job. Kept calm, rigged up radar and AIS etc. So good to see you are both well and in good spirits after all you have been through. Hat off to both of you.

[@peterb4620]

Praise the Lord that you are both ok. Our thoughts are with you. You both are winners. Keep smiling as this too shall pass. Best wishes P&J

[@deadstick8863]

Wow! Just the mood and level headedness of both of you in such a mess says so much about how capable and what excellent sailors and people you are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

[@sailingperdika]

Thank you for posting this, it’s good to see you both safe after your ordeal. We the Amel community are here to support you all the way. Wishing you continued fair winds! xx

[@philpaige9770]

Keeping you both in my thoughts through this tragedy. I know from experience that a 15 cent cotter pin rusted and the mast came down on a 14' sailboat. Fortunately it had a 5hp motor to get us home. It doesn't take much to cause destruction but I wish you both safety in continuing to port and in the repairs.

[@patrickjohn2990]

I am so sorry that you lost both your masts, but thank God that you both escape injuries. Praying that you make safely to land. Keep up the positive attitude.

[@passionfounder]

Regardless of the damage it is good to see you both are OK!!

[@SuperSventizeMe]

You both are amazing. This is a crazy development- a mechanical disaster happening to conscientious sailors on a legendarily reliable boat that's been well maintained. So glad that you jerry rigged a setup that lets you keep going to the Caribbean. Lesser sailors would have taken a rescue and ditched the boat. Be safe, and it will be inspiring to see Aquarius get back to sailing trim!

[@brettharrison2237]

You’re still afloat and moving. Well done to you both. I admire how you’ve accepted what’s happened and adapted. In a few years this will be a great story you can tell. You’ll be back ship shape in no time.

[@davidcocker8878]

Thankfully they arrived safely at Le Marin, Martinique on 28th Jan according to AIS 👌

[@DarNico471]

Glad to see that you have almost recovered from that terrible ordeal, well done Zivile for not falling apart in this dreadful circonstances,Ken you are still the boss keeping the ship safe,fixing ais,radar & SL !!!! You are both admirable !!keep at it ,it is nearly over🥰

[@MikeBell-p7y]

Hi guys. Mike from S. V. Sarah Agios Nikalous Marina here. We have drank wine together in the past. I heard about your problems from mutual friends we have on the Viking crossing. To lose your masts slap bang in the middle Od the Atlantic is almost as bad as it gets. Everyone here is thinking of you and wishing you a safe passage to the nearest shore. I could t imagine dealing with the pressures you must have felt at the time of dismantling, hopefully you are feeling a bit safer and more secure in your floating home now everything is lashed down securely. Hang in there guys, it could have been even worse.

[@Daceysails]

Thanks for sharing. I saw the alert on Boat Watch and expected the worse. You have amazing seamanship, well done on being able to secure the mast and getting your distress out to nearby boats. Heartbreaking to lose a mast but I’m sure you will come back stronger ❤

[@pontoonrob7948]

I cant believe that with all this you are still filming. God Speed. You appear to be blessed in that there are no injuries, still underway, and you have the strength and perseverance to see this through.

[@michaelmeinberg2696]

I lost my mast on a small 16 foot boat in heavy winds on a lake, the halyard snapped. Of course for us it was not a big deal, lake was not that large. But the reason I bring it up is that the same thing you discribed happened, the minute the halyard let go, the mast came down very slowly - it's becuase there is no more force holding the sail into the wind, and the underside of the sails catch wind, slowing the entire rig down. It was not a violent colapse at all.

[@chriscousens1057]

Very nasty and glad you're safe!! We were about 850nm from S. America in the South Atlantic and were dismasted. Parents and children 13, 11 and 9 years old. We managed to salvage about 1/3 of the mast from overboard and my dad managed to lift it up far enough on his back that we could hoist the rest of it upright with the anchor winch. LImped to Tristan da Cunha after being dismasted for 40 days and not even a week's worth of food and water left. Interesting times.. Really glad technology has improved since then and that you're safe!

[@reynoldsann515]

Speechless. Thank you for posting this, we pray for your safe return!

[@samontour4119]

Respect. You saved the crew, the boat AND all the expensive gear. I didn't really understand what exectly happend, but getting rid of the rigg was probably the more dangerous option. Great seamanship!

[@FunCityFrenchus]

Glad you are both ok!!! Thoughts are with both of you!

[@grahamatsea3575]

Considering all you pair are going through mentally and physically I'm amazed you've had the inclination to make a video. You've both got such a positive attitude. The fuel transfer was interesting....tie the cans together and throw them into the water.....I'd have never thought of that.....as you mentioned so hard to pull in with the drag and weight. I'm guessing the solar arch saved the rigid cockpit from damage.....that was a bit of luck ( well not luck but you know what i mean) . I hope the mechanics keep their side of the deal now the floppy cloth system is having a rest and give you a good run towards home. 👍

[@SV-DEDICATED]

Pumping out content during an emergency. Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marktaylor484]

Take very good care of yourselves. I hope you make a safe harbour quickly without any more problems.

[@Richard-og7mv]

It's heartbreaking to see the damage to Aquarius but heartwarming to know that you are both safe. Long may it stay that way. I don't know what line of work you're in Ken but I wouldn't be surprised if you have an engineering background. Top man when it comes to anything technical. Ably supported by the Admiral of course. Be wonderful when you make a safe landfall. Stay safe and thank you for putting this video out under extreme circumstances.

[@donaldradcliffe6704]

Good job on saving the masts and sails. I was on a fully crewed boat that dismasted, and it took 5 strong guys to salvage things. Put up a spinnaker pole with staysail on sideways, and got within motoring range. They were able to sleeve and reuse the broken masts; otherwise the insurance would have totaled the boat.

[@atxsailor452]

Glad y’all are safe and managing the situation very well!

[@jonathanscott550]

"WOW"! What, all this happened. I am so glad you weren't injured or worse. Thank God One World dropped you off fuel. Great you have Star Link, radar and radio and other communications. I am speechless and hope it isn't too long until you arrive in safe harbor. I will keep you both in my thoughts and await good news. And you don't need to apologize about not reading comment and returning comments as you both have more important things to concentrate on.

[@TradeWindgng]

What a video that is...im glad that you are ok now and doing well hope all workout well and you arrive safe and sound. you will fix it and all this will be a memory . stay safe stay strong wishing you all the best.

[@angelaschmitt-lefebvre7498]

How terrible and sad to see your beautiful Aquarius in this state. But you’re safe and everything else can be repaired! You’ll make it! Stay strong

[@Frank-E]

Wow, I’m so sorry for you. Glad you got through this without injury. This to will pass. Much better days ahead. Much love ❤

[@UUBrahman]

So glad you appear to have no physical injuries to your bodies, thank goodness. Great team work, you two.

[@markpeter1968]

Holy smoke. I will say a prayer that everything works out.

[@shanghai72]

Wish you Guys all the Best. Good luck to you.

[@codegame027]

Recovering and coming back from this will be so satisfying. It is hard to see it now but you'll get it all fixed and thrive and live life again. Sometimes the Lows are just really low.

[@shauntoomey3299]

You guys have always been one of the most enjoyable and genuine sailing channels. Have loved your adventures. So sad to see Aquarius has suffered this failure. Stay safe. Great recovery work Captain Ken.

[@Catamaran.island]

Happy to see you both safe and sound ❤

[@alexstevenson2222]

WOW, sorry that happened. Glad your both OK. Prayers !!

[@philgray3443]

Glad to hear you are both well and uninjured. Stuff can be fixed

[@mountaindweller9118]

Holy Crap Ken and Z! You both handled this emergency like true pros! The most important thing is that you are safe and Aquarius is still sea worthy. It can happen to the best of them. John Kretschmer's Quetzal dismasted in the Atlantic last year, and I recall he just did a rig inspection. I think you are planning to make landfall in Martinique, which is probably your best bet for services. Great to see the sailing community spring into action. Safe travels.

[@akdf85]

Now I know you are safe in le Marin I can say I am impressed by what you have overcome. you have completed your sailing around the world in an extremely professional manner WELL DONE

[@bradcraig495]

...and had time to put up a video!true legends!you seem pretty calm and collected about this.im confident you will make it safely

[@vingreensill]

Hope you are safe now and in a safe harbour somewhere. Best of luck with the recovery. Take care.

[@peterinthegong9437]

Shocked to see what happened. Noted your Donation link so let’s rebuild your beautiful yacht! I’m happy to donate. It’s the least we can do after all the years of pleasure you have given us .

[@poseidon1955]

I wish you all the best so important that you have internet it makes a big difference for you and us knowing that you are healthy and courageous!!!!

[@hedleyjackson5131]

Had heard on the grape vine of your dismasting glad you're unhurt, amazed you are up to a video. Good to see the sailing community coming to your aid fair winds safe end to your crossing.

[@Burebizda]

Very Very sorry to see this. I'm happy to see that no one got hurt. Stay strong,support each other, focus on getting safe to shore. Everything else can be rebuilt and repaired.

[@JR-ro5kv]

WOW, how unfortunate. Your seamanship, professionalism and perseverance will see you through this. That said, it’s especially important that you eat and stay well hydrated. Special shout out to the guys who helped with the fuel

[@svbettybelle]

Good both of you are safe and sound and the boat is floating and running. Tip: Use one of the boom's as a temporary mast. Clues found in this video. As you say in the video: the main mast was leaning towards stern and missen. Tells me that something happened in the bow/pulpit which then but some stress on the rigg it self, which then could not hold the load. In pure speculation it could be the bolts that got degraded/metal degradation. This is unfortunatly nothing that should happen as rest of the rigg should up the mast it self. The bow is usually the one point that takes most of the saltwater. You could also see where the breaking point is on the mast it self. Which also holds clues on what side it initially broke. Stern, port, starboard. Metal degradation is also increased when theres more load than it can handle, which also leads to breakingpoint. It definitely a big expense to replace both main, missen and rigg. But both of you are safe, safety is always the first priority. See this as speculation according to your statement on what happened. We´ll see what really happened when you haulout. Safe journey until port. Btw, find the next boat comming across and buddy boat rest of the journey as safety precaution.

[@mdb3601]

Sorry to hear this. Good to know you’re safe. Knowing how fortunate you are in such a horrible situation shows that you have a very positive perspective.

[@donzie13]

I'm glad that you got rescued. It broke my heart to see you both go through this.

[@barrysummers1622]

Hang in there guys, your doing a great job.

[@hippo0fr]

I feel realy sorry for you. I hope you will overcome this.

[@Inez-z2z]

Wish you well. Lucky thing you were able to get more fuel.. Guess that's why you didn't try to gerry-rig some temporary sail. I'm in the process of splicing my broken mast that failed in a hurricane. The extrusions of both my mast the the mast parts i purchased for the repair cold-worked and failed near the deck. All stays were fine... I believe such a failure [spar] is common in older boats. My plan is to modify the rig adding running backs and jumpers to add strength to the rig and to reduce spar vibration... Best of luck.

[@jamesboulton2722]

I couldn’t believe it when I saw your posts on instagram. Happy to see you’re both ok. Looks like you’ve done a good job making the boat safe and secure. Good luck for the rest of the journey.

[@sailinghappy9]

Greetings Brasilienses🇧🇷. We are Marcelo and Elaine from the Freedom sailboat. We are moved by the misfortune they are experiencing. This is a sailor's worst nightmare, and we are hoping that you are safe and make it safely to a safe port. We're glad you weren't hurt... We will continue to root for you so that this nightmare ends as soon as possible. We will soon meet in the Caribbean. Good Winds 🏝️ ⛵

[@robinstepanek1345]

😳 We are sooooo sorry to hear about this and we are very relieved to hear that you are both ok. We also have a sailboat and short of lightening and fire, this is the most feared. Thank goodness your experience and teamwork kept you both safe- well done! We wish you well and know you will overcome this and sail on! SV Dulcinea, Brad and Robin from Oregon

[@markblake2699]

You guys are the ultimate couple. All together with inner strength and a sense of calm. I wish the rest of the people in the world could look at you for inspiration in how to conduct yourselves in adversity. Insurance??? Any is my only question. Safe travels

[@CaptJimboa]

Your confidence in this situation is INSPIRING!!!!! You are Real world class sailors! Godspeed!

[@bobcat2222]

Great sailors. Happy you are safe. I gather this. The main failed first after buckling and fell away to port. The main then pulled the mizzenmast down via the triatic. I suspect a starboard shroud failure allowed main to get out of column and crumple. I’d guess the fault is a starboard spreader first, then a shroud tang followed by a swage terminal, a turnbuckle and lastly a chain plate. The mast probably would have failed around the gooseneck or where weakened by holes. It will be very interesting to see what went wrong. While a terrible nightmare, you are safe and perhaps your travails will teach the rest of us to take better care. Good luck!

[@nandosillamartinez26773]

Wow... I am very sorry that this happened to you, but glad to see you safe on board with no injuries, enough fuel and engine running like a clock. I wish you a safe passage downwind to the Caribbean, and hope you can repair, understand what was the cause of the dismasting and can trust again your boat to continue your trip around the world. I did this passage in a cat just one year ago, and I can understand very well what you are going through there in the middle of the ocean, but luckily all your important systems work and you are connected to the world. Remember: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! All the best Aquarius!

[@davidellis2021]

I clicked 'like' but it was that you are ok, not on the state of your lovely boat. Thanks for the update, been worried about you both.

[@timdunn2257]

This is why I prefer unstayed masts. I sailed across the Pacific with unstayed masts. Owner two circumnavigated with those masts. Owner number three sailed to S. America with those masts. 47 years, and still standing. No little bits of metal to corrode or fatigue - or to pay to replace every few years of offshore voyaging. Batwing, a junk rigged schooner, still going strong 47 years later, despite her relatively huge sail area of 740 sq. ft. on a 34' boat.

[@sausage5849]

Oh wow, so sorry to see this. Hopefully she can be all fixed up and get you back on seas. Very glad you're safe and got the situation under control!

[@pascalboiteux6994]

Soon you will be safe thanks to your strength!Thank you for this lesson in courage

[@peterburns1004]

I have been subscribed since the very start and I'm in disbelief with this video......... God speed to you both ...... You are both wonderful humans ....... Aquarius has the best captain and admiral on the seven seas....... You 2 are such a great team.,.... Love to you both

[@idreecemian2192]

I am shocked to see an Amel super muramu in such a state, the good is that you did not get injured,

[@normansufrin207]

Hard to hit the like button on this one. Such bad luck to get near the end and for this to happen. Aquarius is still soldiering on though and you’re still both with her. Hats off to that cat for getting fuel to you.

[@mariusgrobler4235]

Just watched this video. So thankful you both safe, and hope you reach our destination soon to start the repair work...

[@xmanprime3328]

Glad you guys are okay 👍🏾 Stay positive and thank God 🙏🏾 it wasn't worse.

[@craigolsen9505]

Well Done for getting everything under control, As another survivor of a Mast lost at sea I can relate well and no one should underestimate the stress and shock you will both be feeling even now that things are under control again. well done for being so composed. I have no idea how your insurance will work but speaking of my own experience the single best thing we did for both safety and comfort was to cut the mast away. All those sharp edges and potential danger points especially for the night watch not to mention the risk of a rouge wave knocking you off your feet or tripping up when trying to move around and by getting rid of the mess you can see any damage better as well. Our insurance covered us with no questions off just some basic photos and yes all rigging, lines (no ropes on a boat!), fittings and sails were replaced. If we had saved the sails it would have been nice to reuse those but in our case they were caught in the break point of the mast and so couldnt be taken down properly. This was before GPS or AIS or Internet connections were available so some time ago (1993) and we lost our antenna on the mast so had no comms for several days which was soooo fun, but meant we had to be that bit more careful and cautious of any possible dangers but in hind sight i still think it was the smartest thing we did. Regardless keep your chins up, remember you have a solid and sturdy craft under your feet and be greatful that you are safe. I would also suggest that if its not already been moved, the life raft should be moved on top of the debris so that if you do get into trouble its accessable as the normal places they live are probably under the mast now.

[@davaxschinko]

Thank God you are all safe. Everything is under calm hand and eye. Bring them home Captain Ken.

[@joesambrano7634]

thank god not taking on water, and both are safe and copacetic, 🙏💙

[@stephanmckenney306]

Sending Hugs, 🤗You 2 are awesome and amazing, Handling one of the worst situations with a Lot of Good decisions.🙏

[@johnryan2193]

Stick with the boat , I hope all goes well but don't let the negativity get you down.

[@timtrinkaus7072]

I still can’t believe this has happened to you guys. I don’t know how you are handling it all and processing it but you both seem to be in great spirits considering the adversity that you found yourselves in. I hope the root cause is found the how and why this had happened. Amazing teamwork both of you this was a test of no other praying for you guys keep the spirts up high you got this and I’m so glad Ken changed the motor mounts on that Volvo last year!! Stay safe and keep us all posted we are all pulling for you Aquarius will be back in ship shape in no time!!!

[@ltcguffy765]

God Bless both of you! You are fortunate that you are in a strong hulled boat.❤

[@SkylinersYeti]

Thank god no one was hurt. It will be interesting to see what failed. Continue to be safe.

[@dhincks1]

Tyg, you're safe and not hurt. Equipment can be replaced. Good job and Gods speed to port!!

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

You two have done an excellent job recovering your boat from this disaster. Hang in there as you near shore. As I watched this, I understand that you made it to shore safely. I pray that you give yourselves plenty of time to recover from this trauma, before sailing on. Peace Be With YOU.

[@marioosorio1956]

Stay strong! Wish you luck!

[@tartansailor]

Incredible, a combination of bad and good luck. I am hoping you are well and things will work out. Cheers Richard

[@pm1104]

You adapt…….improvise ……..and overcome…..as you are already doing brilliantly….! 😊❤

[@SailingAquarius]

Yes! Thank you!

[@PaulGabow]

judging by the AIS they reached Martinique. it means everything is OK

[@dougsrepair1060]

This is a horrific experience. So glad that neither of you have been injured. It will be a slow go to get to land but the sun is bright and you’re not sinking. Wish you well.

[@grahamsharp6076]

What a nightmare but you guys are very resilient and capt Ken the best handyman ever they will make it ❤

[@welshgriffin]

So glad you are safe dont worry get to shore safe. I am sure everything will work out,

[@jwebster5840]

Hang in there! Your ability to overcome adversity is impressive! 😎👌