The Straits Kicked My Butt Today

[Strait Shooter]

Got caught in opposing tide/wind scenario early this morning by miscalculating departure time of a trip from Port Angeles to Seattle.

I spent 6 hours in some pretty nasty crap and scared moi to the core. I think the third wave cresting on me and filling the cockpit to my knees while knocking me about was definitely overkill on Neptune's part and really, I had already gotten the point quite thoroughly. Oh, and let's make it all happen at 2. a.m., solo, and a new to me boat.

I did it though
I'm tired and drained after 14 hours on the tiller, beat up, and at the same time extremely hyper. What gives?

I pulled into Port Townsend to get a breather after it happened and had a tug captain tell me that he was a quarter mile astern thinking I was going to lose it. He waited for me in case I needed someone. I owe that man a beer.

First, sleep.

[WillJacocks]

No, give that man a beer and drink a few for yourself! You deserve it, then you go sleep!

[Aussiesuede]

Many have been caught on the wrong side of our daily flood & slack cycle. Here's a handy link for PNW sailors : http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/...=2011&m=3&d=31

This should help ya know all the flood/ebb times at a glance. Glad you made in in safely. All of us u[p here have been caught in that day of hell. NO FUN!

[Intentional Drifter]

You're not the first to get your butt kicked by Pt. Wilson! Those swells bouncing off Whidbey + ebb out of Admiralty + any wind with a W or an N can make that place a sailor's hell.

Hey, you got yourself some big-time Experience Points! Not to mention you also learned a lot about your new-to-you boat. Good for you, mate! Enjoy the sleep, you've earned it.

ID

[rubyjean]

I too got my butt kicked, Was sailing from Everett-Coos Bay last August. Rounded Point Wilson about 6:00pm and it started to build. Had to motor straigh into it all night. Was pretty tired at 3:00am and pulled into Dungeness Bay an hove to until 5:30am. Cat napped a little, then headed out around the spit, to Port Angeles. Spent the next night there getting some rest for the next leg to Neah Bay. The rest of the trip was great. That was a terrible night, been in alot worse, 12' wind waves just are not fun. Think I'll stick to the open ocean. Michael..

[hummingway]

It's a good reminder that while for the most part the Salish Sea is a mellow place to cruise there are conditions when it becomes dangerous.

[rebel heart]

It happens man. Every smooth move I make is typically a direct result of a previously learned-the-hard-way lesson.

[Intentional Drifter]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

It happens man. Every smooth move I make is typically a direct result of a previously learned-the-hard-way lesson.

No kidding. I'd show you my bruises, but I'm afraid I could get arrested.

ID

[SabreKai]

Originally Posted by Strait Shooter

Got caught in opposing tide/wind scenario early this morning by miscalculating departure time of a trip from Port Angeles to Seattle.

I spent 6 hours in some pretty nasty crap and scared moi to the core. I think the third wave cresting on me and filling the cockpit to my knees while knocking me about was definitely overkill on Neptune's part and really, I had already gotten the point quite thoroughly. Oh, and let's make it all happen at 2. a.m., solo, and a new to me boat.

I did it though
I'm tired and drained after 14 hours on the tiller, beat up, and at the same time extremely hyper. What gives?

I pulled into Port Townsend to get a breather after it happened and had a tug captain tell me that he was a quarter mile astern thinking I was going to lose it. He waited for me in case I needed someone. I owe that man a beer.

First, sleep.

Personally, I think you should change the title to The straits tried to kick my butt today.

Obviously it didn't succeed. You survived, learned some valuable lessons and got to know your boat better. You did good.

Sabre

[senormechanico]

The "schedule" is your worst enemy.

Today would have been a cruising chute slide across a pond.

[Strait Shooter]

Thanks everyone for your valued input, encouragement and for sharing your own stories of our infamous Straits. I know a lot more of them that I've heard from local fisherman and the Salish is indeed a place to respect at all times.

"The Straits TRIED to kick my butt yesterday", if I could change the title I absolutely would. I DID learn a lot. I learned I can trust my boat when the crap gets hairy, I also learned a little more about myself. However, Mechanico's right, I thought I had compensated enough for beating the tide and onshore flow. I failed in my planning and will accept this as a valuable lesson learned.

I have blisters that have ripped open on both hands today. I think I actually knocked some bottom paint off of the hull (makes me wonder about the quality of the application), the cockpit drains no longer have any growth in them

I think I'll go sailing Saturday!

[IdoraKeeper]

There are some pretty good posts if you search for them that are all about Horror At Point Wilson and some tricks to stay out of the rough. Just imagine how nice it would have been to have inside hydrolic steering for that mess. I am sealing the cockpit seats tommorrow and will get the Pix I promised you.

Don't feel bad about getting caught, we have all done it...hope you didn't tear anything up.

Todd

[IdoraKeeper]

Here is an example of the last time I got in a hurry.

Todd

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

There are some pretty good posts if you search for them that are all about Horror At Point Wilson and some tricks to stay out of the rough. Just imagine how nice it would have been to have inside hydrolic steering for that mess. I am sealing the cockpit seats tommorrow and will get the Pix I promised you.

Don't feel bad about getting caught, we have all done it...hope you didn't tear anything up.

Todd

Nope, nothing torn up Todd (except maybe my hands and arm muscles), the pucker factor might have left me in dire straits (pun intended) for a few days. I have to go out of country on Sunday for a few weeks and when I get back the hydraulics are being added. I really look forward to seeing your set up.
I think I'll go do some reading.

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Here is an example of the last time I got in a hurry.

Todd

Ouch!

A funny side note, I had a plastic container of blueberries in the cupboard. I found 4 blueberries in the V berth when I went to bed.

I had a toilet brush in the head under the sink. I found it in the pilothouse on the chart table. Ya think Neptune is trying to tell me something?