Gale Force Winds

Saturday, 16 October 2010

A horrible night last night at anchor. The wind started just after 18:00 and quickly got up to gale force; 30 to 35 knots. I was too worried about dragging the anchor to go to my bunk and instead went out on deck in the wind and rain checking anchor, putting down second anchor and making contingency things in case of dragging. I got out ropes to extend the anchor rode if necessary. I pulled the second anchor in on two occasions when I was concerned that the 2 anchor rodes would entwine. I had my wet weather gear and lifejacket on even during the times I was down below watching the GPS to pick up anchor drag quickly. I had several false alarms which necessitated more trips up forward.

It died down to nothing about 00:30 and finally about 01:00 I went to bed. Two hours later it started again and I was up and ready should anything happen. About 05:00 it died again and I was able to get another hour in bed before it started again. Its now blowing about 25 – 30 knots, but I’m not as concerned now as I know we were able to survive 35 knots continuous wind. However, I intend taking shelter back in the marina once the tide starts to flood and I have enough water to get up there. At least the rain has finished and we have blue skies this morning. The winds are forecast to abate around lunch time, so I shall delay going over to marina until this afternoon.

On a brighter note, I heard from Raymarine yesterday, they were unable to fix my auto pilot unit, so are sending me a new one by express delivery; it will be here Monday.

I have just checked the 7 day wind forecast and it looks good from Tuesday until, at least, next Saturday for heading south.