i made some good progress last night and this morning. Wind was 20+ knots from directly aft, so I set the sails and headed off at an apparent wind angle of something like 140 degrees. (I say “something like” because my wind direction readings have been faulty for the last three-four days. So I have to go a bit more “old school” and pay attention to the Windex at the top of the mast. Of more importance, it also means that I can’t use the autopilot in “wind” mode and, therefore, have to be much more attentive to wind shifts than is usually the case. Just more to do and a bit more stress.)
I typically made more than 9kts through the water and mid-8s toward my waypoint, so the current hasn’t been a problem. Water temperature, which was frustratingly stuck at 70F for the last few days, fell to 60F yesterday and is currently 44F as I approach the Continental Shelf.
Although it wasn’t forecast to do so, the wind has now weakened to ~10kts. So I’ve been getting tossed around inside the boat a bit–big waves generated by last night’s wind, bunched up bigger as the sea depth shoals, with much less forward progress (5.5kts) to “cut” through them. I think I’ll motor for a bit to recharge batteries and to lessen the tossing motion of the boat until the waves more closely match the wind strength. Oh, and I can make better speed toward Camden as well. I think I have plenty of fuel, so all should be well.
Tomorrow I’ll reach the fishing grounds south of Cape Sable. I’m looking forward to that because, with more local traffic, I’ll finally be able to test my VHF and AIS systems. I’m pretty sure that I lost my masthead antenna a few days ago (well after the storm) and haven’t seen an AIS target or heard a VHF transmission since. It’s possible that there have been none, but I think that unlikely. (I seem to lose a VHF antenna offshore pretty much every other year–shouldn’t there be a way to attach these in anticipation of the violent shaking and gyrations they receive (since they’re at the end of a 65-foot long lever)?)
I rigged a spare, cabin-top antenna as soon as I noticed the issue but, since it’s relatively close to the water, its transmission/reception range should be quite short. With some nearby fishing vessels to communicate with, I should be able to 1) confirm the spare antenna is working, 2) confirm the masthead antenna is not and 3) determine what effective transmission range I am getting.
For now, I’m looking for the seas to smooth, the winds to build back to ~20 kts, and for the air temperature to not get too cold tonight!
Sounds like a struggle. At least you and the boat are sound, you have communications, and you’re heading home. TV weather a few nights ago showed a tropical depression right around were you were and I thought it might impact you. They commented that it was unusually early in the season for such a formation.
sounds like your in total control, even with mother nature playing with you
We were glad to get your update. We know you can’t relax yet but nicely making way is good, too! Dick and Mindy
Hang in there, Scott! As you proceed, by all means, safe passage an d Fair winds!
Scott…following your progress & posts closely, and wishing you well thru to Camden.
You are doing great riding this out. You are almost to home waters and then homeport. I bet there will be hot coffee and donuts.. keep coming. We are all so glad to know you are such a capable sailor. Big seas can wear a body down. Hope you get some rest soon. Fair seas ahead.
Good to hear you are making way….sounds as though you had quite violent conditions to compromise operating systems…be safe…be well….Bob
Scott – what a great lesson in seamanship!
Good luck with the emergency antenna; I’d love to know how it works under real conditions.
Keep it going, Scott!
Making progress now !
Are yolu picking up radio chatter?
Making progress now !
Are you picking up radio chatter?