Peter Bruce

[zoidberg]

This post might just as well fit the Racing Forum and the Classic and Wooden one.

I hadn't quite realised how many of Peter Bruce's books I have on my shelves - 'Inshore Along The Dorset Coast', 'Wight Hazards', 'Solent Tidal Streams', 'TS - Portland/StAlbans Head', 'Wight Secrets and Hazards' and, of course, 'Heavy Weather Sailing ( multiple' ) - nor quite what an accomplished life he led.

It took today's obituary in The Telegraph to lift my curtain of ignorance - Obituary - Commander Peter Bruce

 

[John_Silver]

A life well lived.

Owl, Peter aboard, was anchored astern of Stargazer, off Bryher, during the 'staycation summer' of 2021. One still and sunny morning he was gone. Only belatedly did I realise that he had spotted Storm Evert coming. Before the weather forecasters had realised that it would be bringing sustained 70 mph winds. Peter was snug in a mainland anchorage, at the point that the rest of us realised what was about to hit us. A seaman through and through.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

A life well lived.

Owl, Peter aboard, was anchored astern of Stargazer, off Bryher, during the 'staycation summer' of 2021. One still and sunny morning he was gone. Only belatedly did I realise that he had spotted Storm Evert coming. Before the weather forecasters had realised that it would be bringing sustained 70 mph winds. Peter was snug in a mainland anchorage, at the point that the rest of us realised what was about to hit us. A seaman through and through.

He didn’t think to mention it?

 

[OCuea]

…….’Before the weather forecasters had realised that it would be bringing sustained 70 mph winds. Peter was snug in a mainland anchorage, at the point that the rest of us realised what was about to hit us. A seaman through and through’…….

That sounds like a real sailor…. barometer observed, senses tingling, action taken, safe.

 

[dunedin]

A life well lived.

Owl, Peter aboard, was anchored astern of Stargazer, off Bryher, during the 'staycation summer' of 2021. One still and sunny morning he was gone. Only belatedly did I realise that he had spotted Storm Evert coming. Before the weather forecasters had realised that it would be bringing sustained 70 mph winds. Peter was snug in a mainland anchorage, at the point that the rest of us realised what was about to hit us. A seaman through and through.

Wasn't that storm visible and ominous a week ahead in the forecasts? I seem to recall tracking it well ahead of it hitting, and expected most would move back to mainland. Obviously doesn't show if just looking at short-term forecasts such as Inshore Waters.

 

[Mark-1]

---

 

[John_Silver]

Wasn't that storm visible and ominous a week ahead in the forecasts? I seem to recall tracking it well ahead of it hitting, and expected most would move back to mainland. Obviously doesn't show if just looking at short-term forecasts such as Inshore Waters.

Too true, a lesson learned the hard way. The sight, of others, less fortunate than Stargazer, is with me still. As is the memory of that night of tearing wind, breaking waves, helicopter searchlights, lifeboats, flares, dragging boats (both on anchor and chained to moorings) and cliff rescues by torchlight. The feeling of being a helpless bystander, as I stood on anchor watch through the darkness, is one that I would not willingly repeat.





Complacency had set in and the rigour of my weather watch had dropped. After a month on the hook, which had included a couple of ‘normal’ summer blows (around the 30 knot mark). These had not greatly troubled us, beyond my being unable to row ashore for a daily ramble. I was thoroughly seduced by our surroundings. (And reluctant to move until either France or the Channel Islands lifted their Covid border closures).



Suffice it to say, that, during the three further weeks we stayed, after Evert, a full, 'as-if-on-passage,' weather watch was resumed. In my case this consists of running a rolling +10 day matrix, based on Meteo Consult forecasts. Comparing the consistency of the forward prediction, day by day. During my 'daydream month,' I was looking only at the Met Office 48 hour inshore forecast - purely to guage when to switch bays, within the archipelago. As wind direction changed.

As well as revising my attitude to forecast watching, I also reviewed anchoring arrangements. Although our 16kg Delta, on a 3:1 scope (because of a rock one side and moorings t'other) gave perfect service, this was upgraded to a Spade. With the snubber length doubled. Amazingly (fortunately!) the only Evert casualty, aboard, was the snubber. Stretched to half the original diameter, in the mid-section.

'Every Day is a School Day,' most especially at sea. Many lessons were learned that night. And my respect for those, like Peter Bruce, who saw it all coming, is immense.

(Apologies for pixelated pics. Had to mutilate them to post)