All news

Rudder problems on board Eric Bellion’s STAND AS ONE - Altavia

During the last 48 hours Eric Bellion has faced technical problems which have hampered his progress towards the longitude of the Cape of Good Hope. His rudders, first the port then the starboard one, have both lifted in turn, causing violent broaches off course, fortunately not result in damage to the boat. After long hours of repairs skipper Eric Bellion has found solutions to permanently repair his lifting rudder system.


“Imagine being on the motorway, full throttle, when suddenly the steering wheel is torn off, the car becomes uncontrollable and hits the edge of the road head on... that's what I experienced twice, at night and in 25 knots of wind! This kind of event undermines confidence and your state of mind. We are not sailing off the Glénans, we are in the Big South, this ocean that does not want us and knows how to make us understand it. In these parts of the world, your boat is your only survival means, you have to be sure of your equipment."

Éric Bellion
STAND AS ONE - ALTAVIA


Skippers linked to this article


Share this article

Latest news