There was a prolonged discussion on the check-in SSB net as to ways to reinforce the boom. Presently, there is no immediate danger of it breaking, but Mark was concerned about the long term strength. A trip up the mast was ruled out, but no final decision was made. A single 3 week passage may put more hard sailing hours on the boat, rig, and sails than many sailors will experience in an entire season. Sails are often not trimmed much for extended periods, and even a tiny bit of chafe will eat right through them.
Lines aloft rub on the rig and each other.
Mechanical things such as autopilots and self steering devices are absolutely critical for the safe operation of the boat on a passage, and they live a short and brutal existence. Listening to the autopilot grinding away with the large peak loads to which it is subjected to unceasingly at sea really gives one pause for thought. Having an autopilot or windvane fail at sea is a catastrophe, both mentally and in a practical sense. Without a way to get off the helm and go below to rest, navigate, eat, and recuperate, the stress and effort expended will rapidly tire a fit crew to dangerous levels. Fixing things under these conditions is enormously hard, both because the conditions are frequently miserable to work in, and because you cannot leave the helm to do it.