Working backwards. Before the 2003 race my previous race was in 1975. Newport to Cowes, IOW. A Swan 48 named “Weald”. A fine sailing boat. We broke the headstay just off Nantucket in about 40 knots; the beginning of a strong low. We put into Marblehead and got a new headstay; restarted and managed to pass several boats.
Yikes! You lost a headstay in 40 knots of wind and didn’t lose the rig? Scary stuff. And yet another adventure! Thanks for sharing Stephen! Bill