The task was construction of a mechanical flight control system for a hydrofoil sailing ship. Tight tolerances for appropriate control precision and high component reliability were absolute prerequisites. The components had to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, such as moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, impact loads from flotsam, and more. Freedom from lubrication was of particular importance: On the one hand, the bearings were to be maintenance-free, but there is practically no maintenance in routine operation. But lubrication would attract dust and sand from the ship berth, quickly damaging the bearings.