An old ocean sailing adage says “One hand for you, and one for the boat”. Meaning, of course, to always hang on to the boat even if you’re busy doing something else.
The conditions we’ve had with this Sudestada require us to change the saying – the sea state has become so choppy that it often takes two hands to hold on to the boat when moving around down below. The steep, short period wind waves have grown to 13’ (4m) or so, and they strike the boat on the beam with juddering crashes. We take one slow step at a time when moving, always bracing ourselves against a bulkhead or doorway or some furniture.
It’s not dangerous, but it is uncomfortable. We’re making good progress – the day’s mileage of 176nm is very good for Madrone, and that was despite experiencing some adverse current. But we’ll be happy if the forecast is correct and conditions moderate tomorrow.
All’s well.
Day Twelve
175nm
33 28.7S 46 49.8W
