It's done! The rudder is repaired. We took Adventure out of the cradle and did a quick sea trial. When we turn starboard, the boat turns right. When we turn port, the boat turns left. We were all very excited.

It was a scene full of miracles. One weld held the rudder on for 500 miles. You can see the crack from the picture, but it was completely broken all around the shaft. Ongo, the owner from the yard at Saling Safaris was nice enough to bump us up on his queue so we were pulled out of the water as soon as we arrived. Dave, a Kiwi, on holiday was sought out by Ongo to lead the project. Dave once owned a boat yard and knew exactly what needed to be done. He was a great mentor and we both worked in the small confines of our port side lazerette in order to remove the steering quadrant; and autopilot. He also did all the fiberglass work. Gilbert, a Swedish welder, came by and loaned his welding rig to the cause. He also assisted the young welder Wesley as he did his work. The whole job was completed in 4 days for approximately 1250.00 US. This included repairing my broken stanchion; reversing my anchor chain and welding two links. I can't tell you how happy we are and thank everyone, immensely, for their help.