We made it through the night - alive. I say this only partly tongue in cheek (I’m a worrier after all!) Yesterday it seemed that NOAA alerts were coming at us every hour: gale force winds and thunderstorms with the possibility of tornados across Central Florida. The alerts came with the information that the threat would occur predominantly in the wee hours of the night, and more dangerous since they are nearly impossible to spot in the dark.
My research turned up grim stories of sailors, boats and their encounters with waterspouts. A BoatUS article told of a couple whose boat turned sideways after the sound of an approaching freight train and then spinning in the tornado’s eye, leaving them clutching its overturned hull. Another sizable luxury yacht was lifted from the water and dropped on top of a house. One recommendation was to wear life vests and harnesses. Would I really want my body attached to a several-ton boat that’s sailing through the air? I don’t think so.
Tornadoes at sea is not something either one of us has experience with. We were both at a bit of a loss. Should we take the dinghy ashore and book a hotel for the night? Even the ride to the marina was a thought we didn’t really want to consider, not with our little 3.2 hp engine in high winds and choppy seas. In the end, we opted to stay put and ride out the storm aboard Bagatelle. We packed our electronics and essential documents in a large dry bag and kept it along with life vests near the companionway.
As a child I would fall asleep vigilant, listening for sounds of intruders, watching and sniffing the air for signs of fire, alert to any threat. Last night, as we lay in our bunk, I was determined to do the same, paying attention to every sound, every motion of the boat as it rocked us. I was determined to be ready to spring into action if things went sideways - my attempt at controlling life in the elements. I was asleep within seconds and, early this morning, woke to a still choppy sea but a lovely sunrise. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” is James’ mantra. I’m grateful for him and the sense of safety that allowed me to sleep sweetly through the storm.
Update: Winds were gusting at 40 knots (46 mph) overnight. Down to 30 knots now. The winds are expected to wind down for a bit tomorrow so we’re planning to leave Stuart, Florida for the West End, Abaco tomorrow afternoon. The sail across the Strait of Florida will be an overnight. We should arrive late on Tuesday. Will follow with updates…
