A Solar Eclipse and an Oncoming Gale | Ep. 258

Sailing Through a Solar Eclipse with Oncoming Gale Winds

Despite the initial challenges posed by light to moderate Northernly winds, the crew has made good progress in these early stages of the journey. They are accompanied by another catamaran called Wind Song, who has managed to catch up with them during the course of the day.

The Solar Eclipse

The crew anticipates the upcoming solar eclipse and prepares to witness it through their seon, a device equipped with filters that allow for safe sun viewing without damaging their retinas. They estimate that they will experience around ¾ of an eclipse, which will last approximately 15-20 minutes.

Challenging Conditions and Adjustments

The crew discusses how their first two days at sea have been rather bumpy, especially in the initial 36-hour period when they found it difficult to settle down due to the intense motion of the waves. Despite the rough start, conditions begin to improve as the wind veers east-southeast, eventually turning more south-easterly by nighttime.

Preparing for Gale Winds

The crew continues their journey while keeping an eye on the approaching front that promises to bring a full-on Gale by Thursday night. They anticipate sustained winds around 31-32 knots with potential gusts up to the mid-40s.

Planning for Safe Haven

Given the impending Gale, the crew decides it’s best to seek shelter at an anchorage called Boot Key Harbor (BKH) before the worst of the weather hits. They estimate a remaining distance of about 160 nautical miles and aim to reach BKH by Tuesday noon if possible.

The Final Decision

After further consideration, the crew changes their minds again and opts to enter Boot Key Harbor even though it involves threading their way through potentially difficult conditions. They are persuaded by two main reasons:

The weather models show that as you get a little further inland, the wind is likely to be less fierce, providing better shelter from the Gale. Additionally, entering Boot Key Harbor will allow them to resupply and restock before potentially facing another favorable weather window for leaving on Monday.

This decision ensures that the crew can safely navigate through the challenging conditions while also preparing themselves mentally and logistically for the rest of their journey. They acknowledge that plans are subject to change, especially given the ever-shifting nature of life at sea.

A Memorable Adventure

Witnessing a solar eclipse during this adventure adds an unforgettable touch to the story, as does facing and overcoming the challenges posed by gale winds. Through it all, the crew remains focused on their ultimate goal, making use of their skills and knowledge to navigate each hurdle along the way.

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