Day 567 [April 22/10] -- Hydraulic steering woes force repair stop in the Galápagos

Today's Report

April 22/10 0800 JST / 1700 local

Position:

00°51'N, 97°00'W (North Pacific Ocean, Equator)

What started as a broken connecting pin in the steering system and a slow leak of hydraulic fluid has turned into a serious problem that is forcing Saito-san to retrace his route back to the Galápagos, making for a port on Santa Cruz Island. (Map)

The Tokyo shore crew has been busy this morning arranging for his smooth entry into the port of Puerto Ayora, on the southeast corner of the island, about 445 nm east of his evening position. Due to stiff headwinds and opposing currents it will take him at least three days, and maybe four, to reach port. He is also treating the rapidly failing steering system gingerly so is sailing conservatively.

Images from Google Earth of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island (click to enlarge)

The leak became worse during the daylight hours today as the waves and winds grew, putting more force on the rudder, and thus increasing hydraulic pressure inside the steering system. He may run out of fluid soon and has made several efforts to rig a catchment system for the dripping liquid. He estimates he is losing about half the fluid, being mainly wiped up with newspapers, and the rest he pours back into the hydraulic reservoir. 

The maker of the hydraulic steering cylinders has been contacted in North Vancouver, BC, and arrangements are being made to have two replacement cylinders flown in. Safety officer Mike Seymour has been discussing this and stopgap procedures with Saito-san, but there is only so much the skipper can do.

If the steering fails completely, he can rig an emergency tiller, and that should be able to get him the remaining miles back to Santa Cruz. The SE direction of the wind is requiring him to tack south before he can turn east. While the winds are strong and have been growing, the weather looks good for the next several days and does not appear threatening at least into next week.

In the meantime, the port authorities in Puerto Ayora have been informed by the safety committee (through the tri-lingual assistance of Hide and Veronica Katada) and arrangements are being made there to provide Saito-san with port and repair assistance upon arrival. Spanish is the primary language of the Ecuadorian islands.

***

Distance to Puerto Ayora: 445 nm

Heading: 186

Reported boat speed: 3.5-4.0 kts

Weather: Clear

Temperature: 28.0° C

Barometer: 1007 hPa (steady)

Wind (from): 15-20 kts, SE expected to be 15 ESE for next 19 hours

Current (from): E at 1.0 - 1.5 kt (unfavorable)

Engine rpms: 0 hrs 

Generator: 8.0 hrs

Sails: Genoa 0%, staysail 100%, mainsail 2-pt reef

Position Map (click to enlarge)

Day 566 [April 21/10] -- Hydraulic steering begins to fail

Today's Report

April 21/10 0800 JST

Position:

00°33'N, 96°04'W (North Pacific Ocean, Equator)

A connecting pin dropped out of a key part of the hydraulic steering system today and unless it can be repaired, Saito-san may have to turn back to the Galápagos. 

When he called this morning he said he had spent about 2 hours on his back in the cramped confines of the stern, trying to see how he can replace the lost cotter pin to the port side hydraulic cylinder. The disconnected cylinder is now hanging free.

There are two hydraulic cylinders, port and starboard, that turn the rudder left or right in response to the helm or to auto-steering control. At the moment steering is being done by the starboard cylinder only, which is inadequate in stronger sea conditions and could itself fail at any time. The port cylinder is also leaking hydraulic fluid and it is suspected by Saito 8 Safety Officer Mike Seymour that its "O" ring seal has failed or is near failing. 

Several options are being addressed, including his turning around and going to the main port city of Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands. This island is a major stopping point for blue water cruisers and it is expected that local parts may be found, or flown in. Daily flights out of Ecuador serve the island tourist trade.

If a usable pin can be located among the vessel's spare parts, and Saito reaches the Doldrums where the seas will be flat, he may be able to make the repairs. However, if the "O" ring as well must be replaced, then there is no other choice but the port on Santa Cruz.

On his route west, the next port is in Hawaii -- a very long 3,600 nm away.

Judging from the sharp northward turn as indicated by the 11:25 JST beacon report, it's apparent that he'll attempt an onboard fix, first.

***

Distance in last 24 hours: 99 nm

Distance completed: 20,519 nm

To Yokohama: 7,780 nm (distance remaining: 27.4%)

Heading: 286

Reported boat speed: 5.0 kts (day's average: 4.1 kts)

Weather: Clear

Temperature: 28.0° C

Barometer: 1006 hPa (steady)

Wind (from): Steady at 7-10 kts SE -- expected to remain 12-14 kts out of SE & ESE

Waves: 1.0 to 1.5 m, with rolling boat movement

Current (from): E at 1.0 - 1.5 kt (favorable)

Engine rpms: 0 hrs 

Generator: 8.0 hrs

Sails: Genoa 0%, staysail 100%, mainsail 1-pt reef

Position Map (click to enlarge)