JesseMartin.Net
12th Jan 1999
I've just had time to quickly write this week's entry.
A low pressure system formed on top of me yesterday giving no warning with a force 9-10 gale.
I went up on deck to deploy the drouge (a type of anchor) to slow down and head downwind when a wave knocked me down.
The force managed to wipe the spray dodger (canopy) off its steel frame and into me. I held on for dear life.
In the tangle of ropes, bucket, dodger frame in the cockpit and my harness, I got the drouge off as quick as possible.
I was knocked down again. That's it I said, this wasn't fun at all.
Water was pouring in the cabin and the wind was howling. I decided to try the sea anchor.
Stupid me threw it out on the leeward side and the boat drifted on to it, catching around the keel. I had no choice but to cut it free. This was harder than it sounds.
I had to get downstairs over the washboards to get a knife then out again up the front, with the bow ploughing up and down in the swell.
I had the same overwhelming feeling as though standing on a mountain staring out at other mountains. I felt so insignificant.
Once the anchor was free I hand-steered for as long as I could but had to retire down below to a soaking mess of food, clothes and charts.
I went to bed, but I was tense, always knowing when a wave was going to break over Lionheart. Luckily things started to die down.
When I woke the barometer had risen a little and the wave were breaking less and less.
The wind is now down to 20 knots but another low is coming. All I can do is wait.