Yes, underwater. That's where the rudder is and I'm not afraid of water. On sailboats I've seen, the rudder doesn't appear to be very much below the waterline.

You'd be amazed what you can accomplish one-handed, I cut my right hand open and had to use only my left hand for 21 days last year. I did very well, considering I'm right-handed.

Brace yourself? Rope around both side of the boat, you're braced.

SCUBA gear hasn't always been around, use a hose as a snorkel or hold your breath.

In 40 days I can guarantee I'd have come up with SOMETHING.