I’d quipped during verbal narratives on my travels that Talmid’s self steering control affectionately nicknamed Otto Pirate,  was indispensable and that it would be hard luck as a solo sailor to be without it. Well, that happened.

As it turned out it wasn’t my worst nightmare after all. Never having actually hand steered this boat while sailing before, the autohelm is used most [all] of the time, it wasn’t too bad.

The actual 7/16″ SS Pin  — that crystallized and snapped in two and disabled Otto.

Pin fastens the Raymarine M81132 type 2 (long) linear drive rod end to the tiller arm. There can be some tremendous forces exerted. The image depicts a [intact] typical setup. I never would have suspected the beggar would fail.  I will order a spare and while at it, preemptively replace the other adjustment bolts that hold cable tension.

So, there were long hours behind the wheel but Talmid tracks straight and true. I got into the swing of it and found it enjoyable. There were many mile to go however and when you have eating or sleep needs for instance the only way is to heave to. I had to do this a lot; although I had some very long stints at the helm.

I cut a piece of twisted nylon rope and fashioned a short line knotted at both ends to serve as replacement for the pin which worked until my knots failed or the rope chafed through. I re-did and decided that I was asking too much. I reserved usage for calm and smooth sea such as when motoring.  Unfortunately, the only such conditions occurred during the last 12 hours of the voyage but still I was grateful to have Otto.