After our two weather models provided very accurate guidance on our detour south around the big low pressure system, we were expecting similar accuracy on our way back northeast. Unfortunately, this time both models were a bit off from actual conditions – while the wind strength was spot on at 20-25 the direction was off, usually by 30-40 degrees.
While that might not sound like more than a mild annoyance, in this case it was. Instead of a direct course to our destination with the true wind and associated waves behind the beam, we had to head further north and into the wind and the waves.
The result was that we spent much of the night trying to find the right balance between enough speed to keep Madrone somewhat stable, but not too much speed to avoid either flying off the tops of the waves with a boat-shaking crash landing or charging directly through a wave face with a firehose of spray over the boat.
Not a comfortable ride, and not a restful night. But that’s part of ocean sailing, unfortunately, and it’s forecast to get better in a couple of days.
We’re hoping the forecasted improvement actually happens!
Day Nine
154nm
35 26.8N 39 52.9W
Wind SE20-25 Waves 8-10’
