Happy Easter! Love, English Channel

[Dockhead]

La Manche has prepared a nice Easter present for us:




Somewhat overshadowed in sheer terror by her neighbor, the North Sea (Nordsee ist Mordsee), the Channel nonetheless can be a wicked bit of water.

[Pete7]

10pm and it's lashing down with rain, even the dog won't go outside, going to be a rough night.

Pete

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Pete7

10pm and it's lashing down with rain, even the dog won't go outside, going to be a rough night.

Pete

I'm on board in Cowes; it's not too bad so far. Luckily it's a Souther, and we have the whole Caulkhead Island between us and the storm. I've got lines across to the berth opposite, doubled shorelines and fenders.

The wind has backed to S as predicted, so it's blowing from directly astern.

The storm has been named -- "Katie", and has been upgraded several times today. Could be F11.

I've got beer and am prepared to not sleep. Fortunately tomorrow is a bank holiday

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I'm on board in Cowes; it's not too bad so far. Luckily it's a Souther, and we have the whole Caulkhead Island between us and the storm. I've got lines across to the berth opposite, doubled shorelines and fenders.

The wind has backed to S as predicted, so it's blowing from directly astern.

The storm has been named -- "Katie", and has been upgraded several times today. Could be F11.

I've got beer and am prepared to not sleep. Fortunately tomorrow is a bank holiday

Nicknamed "the shrew"?
Hope the worst of it skirts Cowes.

SWL

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Nicknamed "the shrew"?
Hope the worst of it skirts Cowes.

SWL

Ouch.. hope Saucy's not reading this thread...

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Ouch.. hope Saucy's not reading this thread...

Oops, me too

(Apologies to all Kates )

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Nicknamed "the shrew"?
Hope the worst of it skirts Cowes.

SWL

As in "The Taming of"? Ooh, showing our erudition

Not weather for the Globe, that's for sure.

Well, we have two or three storms like this (or worse) every year, so the coast is hardened for it. Shouldn't be too bad.

I would prefer to be at anchor behind good shelter, than in a marina with so much hard stuff nearby. But so far we're riding fairly comfortably. Since it's blowing from almost directly astern, there's not much heel, which is good, because heeling in a marina berth in a blow can cause damage when fenders get caught.

Incidentally not one flapping halyard here. I took a walk around to make sure no one was having any problems, but everything (it's 90% race boats already this time of year) is well snugged in.

[Dockhead]

Incidentally, here in Caulkheadland, the Beaufort forces have not been recognized, being regarded as "newfangled nonsense".

So what we have now is, officially, the top of a Hoolie, not yet Blowing Old Boots, but the forecast is for Blow Me Down.

[barnakiel]

Mother Nature is sensing the approaching BREXIT ;-)

And, seriously, I want to grab this opportunity and wish all UK members Happy Easter and plenty of fantastic sailing weather this spring!

Love,
barnakiel

[Dockhead]

Getting a bit lively, just as predicted.



Everyone here snug so far.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Well, we have two or three storms like this (or worse) every year, so the coast is hardened for it. Shouldn't be too bad.

I would prefer to be at anchor behind good shelter, than in a marina with so much hard stuff nearby. But so far we're riding fairly comfortably. Since it's blowing from almost directly astern, there's not much heel, which is good, because heeling in a marina berth in a blow can cause damage when fenders get caught.

We average one of these yearly in the Aegean, but have gales by the score in winter.

I, too, prefer to sit these out at anchor. I am reasonably relaxed now when storms hit. There is just a heightened sense of awareness, and wet weather gear, torches and a good supply of chocolate are within arms reach .

SWL

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Mother Nature is sensing the approaching BREXIT ;-)

And, seriously, I want to grab this opportunity and wish all UK members Happy Easter and plenty of fantastic sailing weather this spring!

Love,
barnakiel

Cheers!

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

We average one of these yearly in the Aegean, but have gales by the score in winter.

I, too, prefer to sit these out at anchor. I am reasonably relaxed now when storms hit. There is just a heightened sense of awareness, and wet weather gear, torches and a good supply of chocolate are within arms reach .

SWL

We're having a small drama here with a 200 meter tanker dragging its anchor in the Solent. I'm listening to it unfold on VHF.

There's only 60 miles of fetch in La Manche in a Souther, so the sea state out in the channel is not unfeasible. Plenty of traffic out there.


Chimet (the Bramble station is out of commission) is getting some 70 knot gusts. It's more exposed there; I haven't seen 60 yet, but it continues to build.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

We're having a small drama here with a 200 meter tanker dragging its anchor in the Solent. I'm listening to it unfold on VHF.

There's only 60 miles of fetch in La Manche in a Souther, so the sea state out in the channel is not unfeasible. Plenty of traffic out there.


Chimet (the Bramble station is out of commission) is getting some 70 knot gusts. It's more exposed there; I haven't seen 60 yet, but it continues to build.

It is very common in the Med for larger ships to drag when the wind pipes up. They often seek shelter tucked behind an island if gale force or stronger winds are forecast so we see this often. They simply pick up and reanchor. With plenty of crew someone is probably constantly on watch and with plenty of clear water behind them and next to zero traffic it is probably not much of a hassle.

SWL

[Dockhead]

Gusting 75 at Chimet ; well into the 60s here. Worse, it's veered and is now trying to bash me onto the pontoon. Thank God I took those lines to the other side!

So much for sleeping ; time for chafe patrol.



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