>> STAGE 7 - RUDDER AND SKEG: although having large objects trailing in the water increases drag, it was thought a large rudder would help to keep the boat under control in heavy seas. This extra blade width proved invaluable on both Atlantic and Pacific crossings when a last minute tug on the steering ropes to either port or starboard (left or right) before surfing down a 30ft+ wave would prevent a possible broach and resulting capsize.

The hole in the upper section serves as a foothold for someone trying to get back on deck and also allows water to pass through thereby lessening the sideways drift of the boat in a beam (side-on) sea.

>> BACK