Dismasted at sea in the Bahamas, now what

[SV_Lusca]

Hi guys, our mast came down yesterday, (Beneteau 36cc 1997) about 3nm off the shore of Mayaguana Island in the Bahamas.

We are now safely at anchor at Abrahams bay. Luckily no damage to the hull (but one of our cats wasn’t so lucky) he was sleeping in the cockpit and I guess jumped in panic and we never saw him again.

I was able to cut the lines and rigging to free the mast from the boat before it damaged the hull. Calm sea’s, 10 to 16 knots of wind. No idea what let go.

But for now the most important part, whats next. We are trying to decide if we should motor back to Florida or continue our way down to T&C or another country further south to try and get another mast.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

We are Canadians and left Lake Champlain last September for an undetermined amount of time. But now our trip will probably end sooner than anticipated.

Dave
SV Lusca

[team karst]

Ouch; You are about 500nm SE of Ft Lauderdale, my first pick for expensive part help.
I suppose it would be a fault with the upwind shroud that led to this??
I don't think I would entertain further motoring into the Carib. Long slog under power, $$, and import parts issues.

[SV_Lusca]

I had a new forestay with harken furler installed in Oriental NC. At the same time I had the rigger adjust everything. I have the impression that something let go at the top. The mast was broken in half but no idea of it was caused by the impact with the water.

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by SV_Lusca

(but one of our cats wasn’t so lucky) he was sleeping in the cockpit and I guess jumped in panic and we never saw him again.

My sincerest condolences for your loss. Boats can be fixed.

[flightlead404]

Originally Posted by SV_Lusca

Luckily no damage to the hull (but one of our cats wasn’t so lucky) he was sleeping in the cockpit and I guess jumped in panic and we never saw him again.

Very sorry about your loss. We had one of our cats jump ship in Key West 1st week of January. It was a very sad departure when we finally had to leave last week without him.

[SV_Sweet_Ruca]

Originally Posted by SV_Lusca

I had a new forestay with harken furler installed in Oriental NC. At the same time I had the rigger adjust everything. I have the impression that something let go at the top. The mast was broken in half but no idea of it was caused by the impact with the water.

For sure best bet is to go back to Florida or anywhere else in the USA for repairs.

[MicHughV]

Well, the logical choice would be to head back to Florida under power.
I'd base my route on fuel supply and where I could fill up.

Trying to get a new mast and rig out to your location would be a daunting and expensive task.

Getting the mast back on the boat would require a crane, or two buddy boats alongside.

I see little point in trying to head west. You will have the wind and waves against you the whole way. If you insist on this, I'd reckon Puerto Rico would be your best bet to have a mast replaced. Turks and Caico or DR might be a possibility, but my choice would be PR. Only problem is getting there, which is why Florida is the logical answer.

[MicHughV]

If you were able to salvage a boom, spinnaker pole, etc, you could probably concoct a jury rig to help your progress to Florida, but this would be a downwind rig at best.

[MicHughV]

meant to say heading "east" not "west"...my bad

[scargo]

Salut Dave,
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. But don't let this story put an end to your sailing plans. Anything material can be fixed.
I think you are closer to DR (luperon or puerto plata) than you are to Florida; all you need is fuel and a good weather window with less wind and calm seas. And you can make a stop in T&C to refuel. DR is cheaper than Florida and you may be able to source a used mast.
Here's the Puerto Plata marina web site: Ocean World Marina – Full service boat yard and marina in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
I also met a guy who does boat works in the Luperon area. He is Canadian too from BC. If you go that direction and you're interested I can look for his email address and send it to you by PM.
Bon courage et surtout regarde le côté plein du verre
{begin english translation as requested by the moderator}
Stay strong and please see the cup from the full side
{end translation}

[Orion Jim]

At approximately 500nm were I in your shoes I would make the best of it and leisurely island hop back to Florida. You need dependable parts and services to get back in order. Island time can be very frustrating to those unaccustomed to innumerable delays and everything must be shipped/flown in. Customs duties can be astronomical.

[donradcliffe]

Load up the jerry cans and motor back to Ft Lauderdale. It will be WAY cheaper if you can bring the broken mast back on deck.

[SV_Lusca]

Thanks for all your support and suggestions. Most seems to suggest to head back to FL. Our insurance just told us that the mast isn’t covered because it is over 20 years old. We will be looking for used parts, wonder if the French islands would have any?

Dave
SV Lusca

[SV_Lusca]

Originally Posted by scargo

Salut Dave,
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. But don't let this story put an end to your sailing plans. Anything material can be fixed.
I think you are closer to DR (luperon or puerto plata) than you are to Florida; all you need is fuel and a good weather window with less wind and calm seas. And you can make a stop in T&C to refuel. DR is cheaper than Florida and you may be able to source a used mast.
Here's the Puerto Plata marina web site: Ocean World Marina – Full service boat yard and marina in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
I also met a guy who does boat works in the Luperon area. He is Canadian too from BC. If you go that direction and you're interested I can look for his email address and send it to you by PM.
Bon courage et surtout regarde le côté plein du verre

Merci, cela aussi reste un gros questionnement, continuer notre rêve ou reviser nos plans

in English: Thanks, the also is a big question, to continue our dream or revise our plans.

Dave

[NYSail]

I would sit with a drink in hand and make a bunch of phone calls. You would think with all the salvaged boats over the past years there would be a well stocked used parts yard somewhere down there.

Best of luck!