Motoring
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Sun 24 Nov 2024 01:08
Course: SW Speed: 3 knots
Wind: SE F1, light air
Sea: rippled Swell: SW 0.5 m
Weather: overcast, drizzle, mild
Day's run: 72 nm
We continued on under main and spinnaker until dusk when we encountered a wind shift which collapsed the spinnaker. I socked and dropped the spinnaker and set the jib, but then the wind returned to the NE. Given that it was going to be dark soon and that the momentary wind shift was ominous of the change that was in the offing, I left the spinnaker down and poled the jib out to run wing-on-wing while the breeze remained fair.
At 2230 I awoke from a nap to find the windvane self-steering had turned Sylph around through 180 degrees following another wind shift. I set the jib to port and got Sylph heading in roughly the right direction then went up to the fore deck to secure the pole. At that point the wind strength increased suddenly, with a blast of hot air than cold heeling Sylph hard over. I went back to the cockpit, eased sheets letting the sails flog to the near gale force winds, rolled up most of the jib, then went to the mast and put two reefs in the main. Once we had reduced sail Sylph settled down and began to sail comfortably into the fresh head wind.
The near gale force winds were of short duration, typical of a front passing through, and about half an hour later we were jogging along at three knots, close hauled on port, making good a W'ly heading to a moderate force four breeze. While we were under powered, I decided to keep the reefs in the main in case there were more unsettled conditions ahead. However, by 0300 with the breeze lightening to a gentle force three, I was satisfied that we were not going to encounter any more surprises and set full sail again.
As dawn approached the wind had dropped further and we were wallowing in the sloppy seas left over from the wind shift. At this stage we were in among some oil rigs so I thought it would be prudent, and more comfortable, to motor for a bit. Half an hour later there was a hint of a breeze and I hoisted the code zero but not even this large sail could keep Sylph moving in the right direction with the lumpy sea that was running.
By 0830 I was feeling a tad tired and while the seas had flattened out there was still no sign of a breeze. We were now well clear of any oil rigs so I handed sail, stopped the engine and threw myself into the bunk allowing Sylph to drift for a couple of hours.
And now, after a much needed sleep, we are motoring again, hoping we might find sufficient breeze ahead to get some sail back up and shut down the BRM.
All is well.