Team Philips masts will be ready for stepping in 2½ weeks
by Patricia Juarez 27 Oct 2000 18:44 BST
The design team have risen to the challenge and after much effort have finalised the solution to the issue at the base of the port mast that caused sailing trails to be cancelled on the October 5, 2000.
The problem was caused because the bearing generated more friction than the designers had anticipated. This caused the socket to work free from its structural housing in the mast and fret away at the structure until the mast worked free and dropped into the bottom of the hull. Fortunately, the mast walls embraced the ball and so limited its movement and hull damage. Indeed,
the hull repair will only take a week and is already well in hand.
The fundamentals of the bearing will stay the same in that it remains a ball and socket joint. Team Philips will now have a new cup in the base of both masts which offer reduced friction. There is also additional structure in the mast base to accept increased torque loading.
Pete Goss said, "The bemusing thing when the mast first became unstable was that we know it is strong enough to take the side loading because during the rig bending test in the ground, we took the structure to maximum, i.e. the point at which the boat capsizes. As such, I find it a relief that the problem is both specific and capable of being solved without a completely new bearing design.
The team has, as ever, been fantastic in rising to the challenge and it is great to have the mast stepping on the horizon; where tide and weather are once more relevant. We are all aware that the countdown to The RACE is well underway. People are working around the clock to complete this repair.
There are consequences from such incidents and it is with great regret that I have had to accept Mike Calvin's resignation from the crew for 'personal and philosophical reasons'."
Mike Calvin explained, "I continue to believe in the potential of the boat, and the people involved in the project, but Pete and I have agreed to disagree about the nature of its development.
Put simply, I do not believe there is sufficient time to prepare for The RACE. The fact that my family shares this view weighs heavily on my decision. It is a sad day, because Pete and I have worked closely together over the past 3 years, but I want to wish him and the guys all the best."
Pete Goss said, "Whilst I do not agree with Mike, I do respect and understand his position - it takes a big person to say 'no.' Ultimately, the decision as to whether the boat goes or no rests with me and hinges on safety. The rest of the team remain confident and I do not believe that now is the time to make that decision."
Team Philips is expected to be back at sea mid to late November. She will then set out to qualify for The RACE, which begins on December 31st, 2000.
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