Quote:
Originally Posted by gdavids
The first couple days were definitely on the rough side. Wind was in the 25 - 30+ knot range, and seas at least an honest 12' (maybe a bit more). There were a few times where he got slammed by some of these seas so that there was 6" of standing water deposited into the cockpit. Speaking for Melissa and myself, we put well over 7,000 miles on that boat and never experienced conditions putting that kind of water into the cockpit!
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It sounds like he caught a breaking wave or three across the stern. The windvane could have been damaged by a breaking wave. This serves as a good reminder to everyone; have good cockpit drainage, a good storm door, engine panel that is water-tight, and be sure that the cockpit lockers can be sealed shut if you go offshore.
I think Simon underestimated the power of the Gale that was forecast; and we're all happy that he survived. However I really don't think he should have set off knowing there were heavy wind and seas coming in. He was warned (by me), rolled the dice and got lucky. If the seas were only 12' then there were worse conditions right behind and/or to the West of him; the OPC had 17-19' average wave heights predicted in the center of it.
Don't get me wrong; Simon is a great guy and I do respect his ability as a sailor. He just became a bit impatient; and patience is the game when it comes to going offshore especially along the PNW coast.
Greg-
What frequency/time are you talking to him on? I'd like to listen in sometime when I go out to my Uncle's place; maybe chat with him from there. You can send me the info via PM or email...