We spent 3 days in a gale off Cape Mendocino. We had 30 to 45 knot winds and 15 foot confused seas. We rode with the wind at our backs, the storm sail up, going 8 knots with waves riding up our back side. There is nothing like riding a 35,000 pound surf board, scared to death. Talaria was an amazing vessel keeping us safe. Rick and our GREAT crew member, Denis kept us on course trying to ride out the storm. We eventually cut across the seas to rest up in Bodega Bay. Grateful to tie up to a dock, have a shower and cold beer.
6 comments:
Welcome to the Pacific Ocean. We are glad you made it through this. Hope the rest of the trip will go smoother. How did the cat do? Kurt and Annie.
So glad you are safe! Praying for a great future adventure! Love, from the marsh
Glad to hear you made it safely through! Been praying for you.
The Luthras
Wow, I am glad you guys made it! You have some amazing pics! Di
Dunno about terrified — I was too busy and full of adrenaline for that sort of thing! Certainly running with the trys'l was the right option — thanks to the First Mate for pushing that option! Other options included heaving to or streaming the drogue but we never felt the boat was struggling at any time — though can't say the same for the crew! As for being GREAT helmsmen all I can say is we did better than the autohelm — which couldn't handle the hard-overs that were needed to keep the stern to wind. To a more experienced heavy weather sailor probably would seem no more than a bit of a blow (gusts to severe gale 9 and 18ft seas), but to us it was a major event — though I never felt we were in trouble (apart from dying of wet sock syndrome). Top tip — make sure to bring wellies and a large bag full of warm wooly socks.
I forgot to mention — Rick claimed to have steered at night by the hissing sound of the crests breaking on either side. (first said in a tavern during happy hour... but he still maintains it). Me, I steered by sensing the bending angle of my ears caused by the following wind.
Talaria was well up to the job and gives the lie to those who doubt the pointed stern concept. The Tayana goes to the top of my shopping list for a blue-water boat.
Thanks for the praise — just doin what had to be done!! We were all a GREAT crew by the way!
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