IN PORT AT THE RIGHT TIME
6/30/2012 12:45 AM
Just a few minutes ago, we were awakened by the sounds of very high winds and a 15 degree list aboard. The wind in the wire was definitely indicative of something we did not want, a fierce squall line approaching. There was not much rain at that time but that changed quickly. In fact, our instruments clocked the winds right at 60 knots or 69.1 mph. That is just 5.9 mph short of hurricane strength. So, here we are in a slip with a long fetch upwind. The waves were hitting us broadside that actually topped the dock to windward of us. Since we were not doubled on the dock lines, I was somewhat concerned at their ability to hold but they did. We were showered repeatedly with salt spray and the sounds of the winds that kept Scurv on high alert. A nearby dinghy tied astern of a boat actually flipped with the motor on. The good news is that it did a 360 as I watched it so the only casualty was a loose life jacket which went on its own program down wind. About ten minutes into the event, a nearby boat with a continuous line roller furling has a failure of the furling system. The headsail deployed in a Mae West with the sheets still wrapped. It took twelve minutes to shred that sail and there was nothing we could do because of the high winds. The noise was deafening. Thirty minutes later, as quickly as it came, it was gone. Fortunately, the ensuing rain washed the salt away. It was really strange to see a large gaggle of geese swimming about in the harbor. They seemed to enjoy the ride.
We have been shanghaied in a way by this place. Since there is so much to see around the Bay and we may never pass this way again, we decided to stay a while longer. In fact, we are taking a year slip lease with the idea of getting to see as much of this historical and scenic place as possible. We also decided we need to get back to Texas for a visit since there seems to be no difference in the weather lately. Thus, we will leave here just after the 4th and come home for a bit. We look forward to seeing family and friends soon.