I guess that was one extra thing to check before starting the T-500 - the welds on the rudder gudgeons.. Especially since Plan A sounded so cool (Plan B was a good backup though!)

My gudgeon parted about 3 miles from the finish at Macho Man. Not nearly as challenging as the T-500, but just as dissapointing! Turned out the original gudgeons were only welded on one side, causing the failure.

The replacements (and my spares) were welded on both sides. No doubt due to feedback from sailors like you who drove your boats to the limits.

Congrats on the nuptuals. Do the two of you make minimum weight?