Gale Conditions

We weathered gale force conditions Sunday here in Old Pass Lagoon. The wind built through Saturday and during the night. By Sunday morning foam was blowing off the tops of the waves creating an interesting streaking pattern in the water. Since this is a protected bay the baby waves never got higher than one foot, so I was surprised to see this type of wave and blowing foam action here. I have not regreted my oversize anchor and 100 feet of 5/16 chain. Once an hour I would crawl to the bow, check the anchor, and readjust the snubber and chafe gear. For you non sailors - it is not wise to let the boat be held by just the chain. the snubber is a heavy rope 15 to 25 feet that is attached to the chain that provides a second attachment to the boat and allows some elastic properties. Chain would cause too much stress used alone. Below is an example of 2 reasons to have good ground tackle:



Many locals and cruisers have told us this is the worst Florida winter in memory. Sure, now that I'm here. The good news is that the worst Florida winter beats the best Indiana winter.

We were visited yesterday afternoon by a cruising couple anchored 1/2 mile west of us. Skip and Carolyn are on a 28' Catalina. They were interested in our electric motor. Their inboard gave up, a couple outboards have failed them and they are now using a British made, 40 year old outboard. They had some interesting stories, not the least of which was bouncing off a barge in the Intercoastal Water Way when one of their outboards failed.

The forecast is for warmer weather in the 70's; however, the wind is from the SE - just the direction we are headed. We are in a safe, comfortable anchorage with shoreside amusements so waiting for favorable weather is no hardship.