Strong Epoxy Gives Round the World Yacht Racers a Second Chance

    When the Dutch AkzoNobel Ocean Race Team suffered a damaged main mast owing to a gybe in high winds, it may have seemed like their round the world race attempt was doomed. The mainsail’s track was ripped free of the mast, and the force of the wind also broke the carbon battens that support the sail. But the team came armed with a remedy for their predicament – super-strong epoxy adhesive.

    In stormy weather, sailing with only headsails, the team got to work, using the epoxy to reattach the mast track. The shore crew of technical experts says that the yacht will be able to use the mainsail at full hoist once again. That’s good news, since the team currently holds fourth place, and will still be in with a chance of finishing in a strong position thanks to ingenuity and a little epoxy.