Degree of Latitude: Oyster 45
Owner: John Rutherford (GBR)
Rutherford calculates that he spent over £46,000 on equipment and upgrades specifically for crossing the Atlantic with the rally.
He bought a watermaker (£9,600), generator (£8,100), Fleet One satcom system (£4,800), twin headsails (£3,000) and upgraded in various areas. For example, he replaced the headsail furler (£4,600), the battery and power management system (£5,800), upgraded the autopilot drive (£3,400) and applied Coppercoat antifouling (£6,500).
“There were also a host of small items and spares for everything in sight.”
Not all turned out to be necessary, or even good value, however. The diesel generator was “not worth the money,” he believes. “A generator is needed but I believe a wind turbine would have fulfilled our needs with only a little engine time…
