OldBawley
Well-Known Member
Boating for 33 years, sailing the same yacht 26 years, cruising the Med all year round for the last 14 years. We sail an old small boat, have to be careful, our boat is not foolproof.
Sailing single handed, I was surprised by extreme weather twice the last weeks.
Learned in seconds that sitting inside using the laptop while sailing is not good seamanship.
A sudden 100° wind shift with increase from 3Bf to who knows, ( no instruments ) but a lot more than seven Bf brought me in quite some problems.
Four sails up, the yacht heeling more than ever before, the jib backed and his sheets caught under the anchor winch gipsy, a lot of anger shouting had to be done to free the sail and reef down.
Once the sails ware reefed and we ware moving again I could drink some water ( Stress dry mouth ) and have a look at the sea. Never ever had I seen such short deep breaking waves.
Second time, I saw the s**t coming, was prepared, however, the weather forecast was way wrong.
This morning the plan was to sail to Monemvasia. Forecast OK, but the Greek national service warned for thunderstorm. Don´t like thunderstorm. Anchor was fouled so it took some time. By then, clouds coming over the hills. Once out at sea I had a better view and saw the clouds getting big and dark. At 8 am in June.
Turned the boat and went back into Yerakas. Tomorrow is an other day.
Anyway, it is the 13° today.
Could it be that it is time to stop sailing ?
Sailing single handed, I was surprised by extreme weather twice the last weeks.
Learned in seconds that sitting inside using the laptop while sailing is not good seamanship.
A sudden 100° wind shift with increase from 3Bf to who knows, ( no instruments ) but a lot more than seven Bf brought me in quite some problems.
Four sails up, the yacht heeling more than ever before, the jib backed and his sheets caught under the anchor winch gipsy, a lot of anger shouting had to be done to free the sail and reef down.
Once the sails ware reefed and we ware moving again I could drink some water ( Stress dry mouth ) and have a look at the sea. Never ever had I seen such short deep breaking waves.
Second time, I saw the s**t coming, was prepared, however, the weather forecast was way wrong.
This morning the plan was to sail to Monemvasia. Forecast OK, but the Greek national service warned for thunderstorm. Don´t like thunderstorm. Anchor was fouled so it took some time. By then, clouds coming over the hills. Once out at sea I had a better view and saw the clouds getting big and dark. At 8 am in June.
Turned the boat and went back into Yerakas. Tomorrow is an other day.
Anyway, it is the 13° today.
Could it be that it is time to stop sailing ?
