Key Takeaways
- Damage Identification: Initial photos show a significant crack at the joint between the forward beam’s structural box and fairing.
- Cause of Damage: Likely due to an impact on the front or back of the outer hull (float), causing the beam to flex and stress the joint.
- Repair Outlook: According to naval architect Pete Melvin, the joint is repairable, but a full assessment is needed to ensure no additional structural damage has occurred.
A Closer Look: Damage at the Beam Joint
In examining the Coastguard photos, Melvin who worked on behalf of Rapido to design the vessel, identified the crack as likely stemming from the joint between the beam’s structural box and a forward D-shaped fairing. This area, located between the forward nets, plays a key role in maintaining the trimaran’s rigidity and stability. Melvin suggested that the damage was likely caused by a forceful impact on either the front or back of the float (the outer hull), which led the beam to flex fore and aft. This movement placed intense shear stress on the joint, ultimately leading to the observed crack.
“The crack you see in the pic of the beam looks like the joint between the beam structural box and the forward D-shaped fairing,” Melvin explained. “I don’t know where they were hit, but it may have been from the front or the back of the float that caused the beam to flex in the fore/aft direction, placing that joint in shear and damaging the joint.”
Is the Damage Terminal?
When asked about the severity of the damage and whether it could be considered a “terminal” structural flaw, Melvin was cautiously optimistic. “That joint is repairable,” he said, before adding a note of caution: “I’m not sure of any other damage to the beam or the beam connections to the hulls.”
In Melvin’s assessment, while the visible damage to the joint itself can be addressed, it remains essential to thoroughly inspect the entire beam and its connections to both the main hull and outer floats. Repairing the joint without confirming the integrity of other structural connections could compromise the vessel’s safety and long-term performance.
Moving Forward: Next Steps for the team La Vagabonde
For Riles and Elyana, the journey forward will involve a comprehensive damage assessment to fully understand the impact of the collision. This will likely include detailed inspections by qualified marine engineers and potentially an ultrasound or x-ray scan of the surrounding structure to ensure no hidden damage has compromised other critical areas.
Repairing the damaged joint will be a priority, but as Melvin notes, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough assessments following any substantial impact. For owners and enthusiasts, the incident highlights the robustness of the Rapido’s design while underscoring the importance of expert evaluation in preserving the structural integrity of these high-performance vessels.
As this story continues to unfold, we’ll provide further updates on the repair process and any lessons learned that could contribute to safer multihull sailing.
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