Sue and Paul Live the Dream: Stormy Weather

Independence, and her cruising pals departed the lovely northern anchorage at Hawksbill Cay a few days ago, in order to find a safe, protected anchorage from the predicted 30+ knot winds, (higher in squalls) headed our way. The front was to last a few days and clock around southwest and west, before settling back to strong NE winds. This called for all around protection.

Mattina opted to check in at Compass Cay Marina for a few days, where they would be able to get off the boat with Farley and take some walks. Independence followed Different Drummer’s lead, anchoring between Rat Cay and the Mice—2 small groups of islands nestled in Pipe’s Creek.

Due to the narrowness and strong current, this requires deploying 2 anchors, which are strategically at least 90 degrees from the vessel and each other. Situating the anchors and confirming that they are really “dug” in, with sufficient scope, and anticipation of turning room as the wind shifts, is the beginning of storm preparedness anxiety.

That afternoon the wind began. Not too bad. As the evening progressed, and wind picked up, we watched anxiously, as the boat swung on either anchor with tide changes and gusts. By dinner and early darkness, we decided to watch a DVD to help pass the time. Of course, the strongest winds always seem to come at night. Later, lying in bed, with no light, no movie for distraction, the loudness of the wind buffeting our boat and rattling the frame of the bridge enclosure and flapping the canvas became very unnerving.

Paul will state that worrying is my favorite pastime, and he’s not wrong. Although I don’t enjoy it, I just can’t help myself. My stomach was knotted like a fist, and I tried to breathe deeply and calmly with great difficulty. Finally, I spent the night tossing & turning on the salon couch, watching DD’s anchor light swing in and out of view, as waves rushed under our bow and wind howled all around.

By morning, the wind was letting up, and of course the sun puts a whole bright aspect on a new day. Knowing that your anchor can drag, or your dinghy can snag or break loose, or the boat can slip back onto the jagged iron shore, is just too much to put into my imagination in the dark of the storm. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Let the fun begin-- kiting, wind-surfing and a birthday beach picnic for Matt is a prescription for making it all better!