Gale Force 8
Position 36:44.496N 02:06.970W It’s true, the weather in the Med changes in an instant
without any warning signs at all and contrary to the current weather forecasts. We set off basking in the morning sun, a bit dismayed
because, after weeks of NEasterlys, the wind is now SWesterley and so right on
the nose again preventing any decent sailing. At 3pm the wind began to increase steadily until it was
averaging 36-38 knots, gale force 8, within 15 minutes. The sea whipped up and
we found ourselves slamming against the waves, every fourth or fifth one rolling
right over the top of us. We quickly battened down and went below, by 6pm it hadn’t
abated so we phoned ahead to the marina to get a report from them. The marina staff were very helpful and advised not to
continue around the headland (Cabo de Gato) where the winds were stronger, they
suggested an anchorage protected from the SW which was 15 miles away. At 8.00pm we settled into the anchorage, it was still very bouncy
but we had a good nights sleep and we are off now to round the headland, the
wind is currently 20 knots so hopefully it will be a bit more comfortable than
yesterday. |