[Sunroof]

I have been sailing for over 50 years and all you have to do is read about the sailors who fell into harms way by mast or rigging failures who still were able to "jury rig" a system whereby they can sail and steer their boats to safety. No one ever talks of engine failures!! Robin Graham of "Dove" is one such example during his circumnavigation in the mid 60's. Looking at the photos of these ladies and the state of the vessel it appears the mast with boom was capable of supporting the main sail to get them moving! The standing rigging (forestay, aftstay, all shrouds) looked intact and supporting the mast. They claim they had a "spreader failure". That's the part of the mast that holds the upper shroud to help support the mast. Even if this failed (bent, came off from a failed cotter pin, etc) the mast and boom can still support a mainsail to give them momentum. The head sail looked like it was flaked on deck but still could be used. If they had a rudder failure (that was not mentioned) jury rigging a rudder is simple................
Least we forget about the EPIRB! No....they were not adrift for five months the way I see it. They looked too healthy as well as the dogs. Rarely are the engines used in any long passages unless you get into the duldrums or your coming into port. Its a sailboat!! And whats with the markings on the side of the vessel? Algae? tire or fender marks from docking? Strange. It all does not add up.

Strange indeed

Sailor Bob