Estrecho De Le Maire

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Fri 5 Feb 2010 17:16
Position: 54 35.7 S 065 04.2 W
Course: Southeast Speed: 5 knots
Wind: South sou' west F4 Moderate breeze
Weather: Partly cloudy, cool


And today things have not gone according to plan. I looked at the weather forecast and tidal predictions late yesterday, the wind today was supposed to be starting out west, veering into the northwest and then north overnight and on the 6th. I decided that the ebb tide starting at 11 a.m. would provide the best opportunity to make the most of the forecast and allow us plenty of time to get to the next sheltered anchorage on the south side of Tierra Del Fuego before the weather went back into the west.

Things started out well enough, I awoke nice and early, well rested and ready for the day. The wind was still in the west as expected. We weighed anchor in plenty of time so as to be syout into the strait as the tide turned, we had 40 miles to cover to get through and the period of one ebb tide was not going to be quite enough. Now we are out here, the tide has turned and is behind us, only problem is the wind has actually backed more into the south creating a wind against tide situation, not good! Fortunately we are in neaps so the stream won't be too strong and if we stay out of the overfall regions hopefully we won't get into too much trouble.

I have just received a weather fax in and indeed the wind should be veering a bit soon, so for now we will press on and see what happens. Worse case I figure is we will turn around and perhaps explore the north side of Staten Island for a while. It looks an awesome sight, black and grey jagged mountains, many covered in snow.

All is well.

Bob Cat:

It is bouncy again, no sunshine, I went and had a look but the skipper put me down below again, and my bunk is leaning the wrong way threatening to throw me onto the cabin sole. And the food! . . . well I have probably said just about enough about the food, it makes no difference. I have had a good old whine this morning, doesn't do any good either but at least it lets the skipper know that this kitty is not particularly happy right now.

Just let me know when we get there will you. You know where to find me . . . Zzzzzzzzz.