Through Stormy Waters
55° 19,978' N, 160° 29,937' W
During
our second day at sea, the conditions deteriorated somewhat. We were
aware of the weather forecast which predicted 40 to 45 knot winds for
the area but not until the evening when we thought we would already
be in Sand Point. Just to be on the safe side, we had picked a few
anchorages along the way where we could find shelter if need be. We
passed the anchorages one after another because we thought the
weather was not bad enough, and when it eventually got too bad and we
were approaching the last possible anchorage, the anemometer jumped
to 49 knots which meant williwaws and that was not a place for us.
Hence, we had but one option and that was to continue straight to
Sand Point.
It was
pitch-black and pouring with rain when we entered the narrow strait
leading to Sand Point harbour. In the prevailing conditions, the
strait acted as a wind funnel and we had 35 to 46 knot headwinds,
gusting to 54. Because of the strength of the wind, we didn't have
enough speed for the autopilot to keep the course in either
navigation or heading mode, and at times we were actually going
backwards. Pekka was at the helm and Riitta was navigating, and we
were both shouting directions to each other at the top of our voices
to overcome the hellish howling of the wind. During the storm, our
national flag came tumbling down from the mizzen (we hope it's not a
bad omen!), the wind shield canvas was torn apart, and two of the seams
of the foresail split. Luckily nothing too serious this time, but the
game is not yet over!
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