One of the facts of full time cruising is that some time there will be a strong enough thunderstorm with high enough winds to drag your anchor. Well, yep, happened last night. Weve had a couple good storms go through this week but this one fronted some very high winds which kicks up large waves as well. And, the Key West anchorage is very exposed to this. When you realize your boat is moving backwards...and usually towards another boat...the procedure is to start up the engine and drive into the wind to relieve some pressure on the anchor. I had dragged too close to two boats and the swinging of us made the situation requiring action on my part so i fired up the engine to at least stay clear and maybe reset my anchor. I wasnt resetting. I quickly ran out of room to let out more anchor chain. The only way I was able to stay clear was to drive under power into the wind. This was working but I was going to be here until the storm passed...usually about 30 min...but, it doesnt stop there. One of the two lines I use to secure my dinghy worked its way off the side of the boat. It rapped around the prop, jammed it and stalled the engine. I was unable to turn the engine over to restart. Bummer time for this to happen. Im now dragging backwards again towards another boat. Im taking action gathering lines and bumper fenders to limit any impact...and I was also going to grab a line onto the other boat to secure myself. But, my guardian angel is taking care of me. With in about 20 of Hughes boat...I know him and he wasnt on his boat...the wind stopped as fast as it started and my anchored grabbed and hooked. Phew, thank you. Now, checking weather radar Ive got about three hours before the next big blow. Going into the water at midnight to go under the boat to cut and pull a line tightly rapped around the prop shaft takes some fortitude and composure. Dawn the wet suit, tie and secure water proof flash light and a divers knife to my life jacket. Important, secure some life lines over the side of the boat to hang onto as the current is quit fast. Buckle my own tether line secure to me and the boat. Dawn flippers and snorkel mask and into the water. This took at least an hour to prepare before I got into the water. At least the water is warm..LOL. It was a difficult chore put I successfully pulled and cut the line away to clear the prop and shaft. I need to work on holding my breath a little longer. LOL. Anyway, I freed up, started the engine, pulled up the anchor and secured myself in an alternate...safer location before the next thunderstorm came through. It is difficult to set and anchor in high winds, big waves and a fast current in the dark when you really cant see where you are. I stayed up all night making sure I didnt drag again and moved again in the morning to a better spot. Now its beautiful, sunny and 80° in paradise. More to come Im sure. All is good. Sorry I didnt take any picture.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:14:31 +0000
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