The video all owners should watch, but few want to see. Some can't handle the TRUTH!

The video you’re watching is a must-see for all boat owners, but unfortunately, it’s an episode that many prefer not to acknowledge. Sailboat enthusiasts who follow Sailing Aquarius Around The World were left shocked and dismayed when they saw the dismasting of their beloved Amel Super Maramu in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the video, Captain John shares his experience of losing both masts while attempting to cross the ocean. The incident occurred when Aquarius, a 53-foot Amel Super Maramu, was poling out with the genoa on port wing and the main traveler shifted to starboard. Despite their efforts, within ten minutes, the only thing holding up the mast was the triatic stay connecting the main mast to the mizen.

The Horrific Experience

Captain John and his crew worked tirelessly for three days without food or sleep, attempting to patch up the holes in the deck and make the boat seaworthy once again. They managed to salvage some essential equipment such as AIS, radar, Starlink connectivity, and fuel from One Planet and another unnamed supplier.

Public Response

The aftermath of the incident led to an outpouring of speculation about what could have caused the dismasting. Some people blamed it on poor seamanship, while others claimed that it must be related to corrosion or other problems with the rigging or chainplates.

The Professionals Weigh In

In this episode, a professional named Jemp, who has extensive experience with Amel boats, offers his expert opinion on what he believes caused the dismasting. According to him, it wasn’t due to an uncontrolled jibe or any of the other reasons proposed online.

Jemp’s Theory

As per Jemp, when Captain John backwinded the genoa, it caused pressure on one side of the mast leading to a sudden compression which ultimately resulted in the failure. This theory was further backed by another expert from Le Marin, who has worked extensively on various Amel boats and claimed never to have witnessed such an incident before.

The User Manual Change

In 2004, Amel allegedly changed their user manual with new instructions on how to handle the pole system while sailing. However, this change didn’t seem to be well-communicated amongst owners and captains of the Amel Super Maramu boats.

Bob’s Testimony

Another testimony from a similar incident shared by Bob, the owner of another Amel Super Maramu named Friendship 2, suggested that poles alone are capable of causing damage to the boat if not properly secured. His vessel got dismasted while anchored near a reef when one of its poles became loose due to poor anchoring.

Statistical Evidence

The data presented in this video points out that between 1980 and 2005, around 900 Amel boats were delivered with similar pole systems – approximately 800 of them before the user manual changes in 2003-2004. It raises suspicions about whether one isolated case could lead to such drastic measures.

The Truth

In the face of these facts, it becomes difficult for insurance companies not to question their policies on payouts or coverage for such incidents. However, the truth remains elusive, leaving Captain John with more questions than answers as he seeks answers and closure in the wake of his devastating loss.

The Final Word

This eye-opening video leaves us questioning many aspects related to boat safety, insurance policies, and the communication (or lack thereof) among boat manufacturers and owners. As sailors ourselves, it is crucial for us to stay vigilant and ensure proper maintenance and understanding of all systems onboard our vessels. Remember – safety should always come first.