Our vessel, constructed for the polar seas, had resisted where many others less solidly built would have been dashed to pieces.

The rudder had indeed been unshipped, but that could easily be set right.
Having finished our inspection inside and outside, we agreed that the damage was less considerable than we feared, and on that subject we became reassured.

Reassured! Yes, if we could only succeed in getting the schooner afloat again..