H Minus 3 (one red pennant)
August 25, 2011
Been here and done that. Katrina tried to eat Why Knot and thousands of other boats along with much on land on August 29, 2005. It was the costliest hurricane in US history. It is starting to appear that Irene has the potential to take the honors. Katrina came ashore directly. Irene may rake the entire coast from North Carolina to Maine. That makes our fears about a single boat a bit inconsequential but to the crew of Why Knot, it is definitely the center of our attention the next three days. The coast line of North Carolina is beautiful, especially the area where Irene is heading. Ocracoke was Black Beard's hangout and just north of that is Kill Devil Hills (Kitty Hawk) where the Wright Brothers did their thing. Having been there, we can say the area is at almost sea level. One can only imagine what the beast will do to it.
It was at this stage (3 days out) when we watched Katrina start to zero in on New Orleans. The anxiety of having just purchased Why Knot without having the chance to secure her for a storm added to the excitement. This time, Why Knot is in a snug harbor managed by folks that will secure her for us. This will be only the second time we have not made hurricane prep ourselves. Maybe she is better off for that. At least, we hope she does not take a direct hit. The entire Naval fleet from Norfolk has put to sea. Might that be an indication of how serious this beast is? The models are trending westward this morning. That may mean Wilmington is coming into view of the crosshairs.
For those who wonder about the storm flags flown near water, it goes this way:
First red pennant is small craft warning and winds up to 38 mph.
Two red pennants is gale warning with winds from 39 to 54 mph
One red flag with a black square in the middle is storm/full gale warning at 55 to 74 mph.
If you see two red flags flying, you have not been paying attention. Turn your carcass toward land and get thee to high ground. Forget your boat, you lawn mower, your wine collection and abandon the remote control. Two red flags mean you will be staying with others for a bit. Be nice and help cook and hope the chafe gear will hold at least 24 hours. Try not to hog the TV because most landlubbers want to watch something other than the Weather Channel all night. Act as though your boat and house are in another dimension where the beast will have no effect. Something to do might be a review in detail of your insurance policy, if you can find it. You can explain the ear bud as an audio course you need. Don't yell at the weatherman on TV. Be cool and hide the fact that the adult beverage bottle seem to be emptying faster than normal.