One gusty August weekend saw us [me, Ocean Blue and ‘Enry Autohelm] beating past the north of the Island in robust 20kt westerlies. In one of the stronger gusts there was a large, explosive “Bang“, ‘Enry’s grip on the tiller faltered and his little internal brain went haywire, forcing the the steering arm full travel in a vain [vane?] attempt at keeping us on course.
‘Enry just before the break
‘Enry’s broken wrist
Copper tubing, mouldable plastic and rivets – ‘Enry’s wrist replacement operation.
‘Enry, good as new and ready to take his turn on the helm
Unfortunately, besides breaking his wrist, ‘Enry suffered some internal damage as well. After trying to resume his duties and failing he was returned to the operating table and opened up. Surgeons discovered something aweful, detached ligaments. After recovering from the initiasl shock of the discovery, it proved a relatively minor surgery, relocating a toothed drive belt that had jumped the pulleys. ‘Enry soon recovered and was returned to active duty.
‘Enry’s real test came this last Wednesday with steady 15-20kt northerlies. Awesome sailing and good to have my trusty crew back on the tiller.
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