A wild and squally night!
ULA
John & Jackie Richards
Thu 4 Dec 2008 15:41
|
As John has already blogged we were hit by a
massive squall line in the early hours of this morning during the 4am-8am watch.
His wind dance on the foredeck last night seemed to work a bit too well and we
are asking him to exercise some restraint in future! The very hot and humid
conditions of the last few days were going to produce these storms sooner or
later and from the 8pm watch onwards we could see many spectacular
electrical storms on the horizon - some many miles away - quite an awesome
firework display lighting up the whole sky for miles around. We had played
dodgems with squalls all through the night but had no chance with the lsquall
line which stretched for well over 20 miles. We were deluged with rain
resulting in zero visisbility at times and winds averaging 35-45 knots which
were up at 50 knots at times. (Adrian who was on the wheel only revealed the
wind speeds after the event!)
Things are calmer now and we are drying out - the
boat resembles a laundry at the moment. We only had shorts, tee-shirts and
lightweight jackets on and managed to have a shower without getting undressed! A
casualty seems to be my ipod which was in my pocket unfortunately and is
currently dead.
One positive - we passed our halfway point in the
night. We also managed to catch two flying fish during the storm! I heard a thud
and bent down to pick up what I thought was a water bottle in the dark only to
find a struggling fish - we managed to knock it back in to the sea. About half
an hour later Adrian received an almost knock out blow from one (which we also
managed to return!)
Calm has now returned aboard Ula - it is daylight,
the wind is still blowing although at a much more manageable 20 knots, we are
drying out and Howard has done an excellent job of tuna sandwiches in the
galley. Onwards and westwards.
Awards for this blog:
John (aka the skipper). The 'Calm Award' for
staying focused and calm when trouble hit.
Andy C The 'Oblivious Award' for sleeping through
the whole thing while off watch!
Howard and Andy C The 'Helpful Crew Award' for
appearing for their 8am watches armed with chocolate bars and offers of hot
drinks!
Adrian: The 'Wet Fish Award' for services to flying
fish preservation.
Love to all at home,
Jackie
|