I just looked at the weather radar on my iPhone. Yet another huge winter storm is moving east. Tennessee already had ugly looking weather and it was heading my way fast. This prompted me to go downstairs and light the wood furnace. It’s going to be cold tonight.
It’s been gloomy and windy most of the day and now the rain has begun. I hear thunder too.
Something about today’s weather reminded me of a gale that blew for several days late in 1993. I was on the Southern Star (my 33′ Irwin sloop). Having the convenience of a weather radio to augment the forecast from my barometer, I suspected what was coming and headed toward the coast and safe harbor. I ducked behind a crescent shaped island on the Florida coast and anchored in its bight. I set the big anchor, paid out an extra 10 fathoms of anchor rode, lashed everything down and went below. I knew we were in for a blow.
I put on a pot of coffee, lit the oil lamp and retired to the stateroom to read a book. I liked being able to heat a boat in Florida waters with only an oil lamp or two. The boat was warm and cozy. Every hour or two I went topside to check on the anchor and see that all was secure. Other than that I stayed below deck and read or thought about life and what tomorrow might bring. Heck, I had enough food, coffee and spirits to hold out for several weeks. I was good.
It blew a gale for the better part of 3 days. When the sun finally shined and the wind laid down a bit I set about getting under way again. Ha! That was easier said than done. The anchor must have been buried half way to China. There was no way I could pull it up by hand. The wind was still fresh, strong, probably 20 knots or so.
I reeved the anchor rode through a couple snatch blocks and led it aft along the gunnel to the cockpit and the primary winch for the mainsail. Then I hoisted the main and loosely sheeted it. Next I started the engine and eased the boat ahead a bit, hauling the anchor rode in with the winch. I proceeded this way, alternating between engine and winch until I was lying directly above the anchor. The seas were still rolling and I knew the rise and fall of the boat would lift the anchor. All I had to do was man the winch and crank in the slack in the rode as the anchor eased. Yippee! As the sand gave up my anchor I turned the helm leeward, sheeted in the mainsail enough to gather way and off we went. I locked down the helm, went forward and hauled in and secured the anchor. Then I hoisted the jib, returned to the helm and was on my way.
Here we are nearly 20 years later and we carry the world in the palm of our hands. Who would have imagined back then that one could watch a storm approach on the telephone?
Well, the storm here is blowing. Rain is falling sideways. The dog and I are warm and comfortable at home. I think I’ll read a book. According to the weather information on the iPad it’s going to be a long night.
Ciao
