Weather for return - 38:32.004N 28:37.529W

Voyage of Wanderingstar
Ben Bonnick
Sun 13 May 2018 19:23
After a couple of days recovery I decided yesterday to review the weather data and was dismayed to see a picture that I was not expecting. My plan was to leave this Thursday for the 1400 mile voyage home but my plan all went array when I saw the weather map. There is a very strong gale which forms around thur and strengthens to a storm force right across my path around sun/mon, this would be with me for approx 36 hours. There is no going around it, over it, or under it and no chance of out running it, even if I was to leave immediately or even yesterday. What is more, following this storm there is nothing but northerly and easterly winds all the way back to the UK, which could push east into my favourite place the bay of biscay.

If it was just the storm or just the easterlies I might be prepared to give it a shot but the combined elements would make it a fool's errand and not one I am prepared to risk loss of either boat or myself.

So where does that leave me, in a somewhat depressed state as I really want to get home now. I have little alternative but to remain here (albeit safe) until the weather improves which I’m being told might be a further 10 to 14 days. When I have asked what are the chances of improvement the only response I’m getting is ‘well it can only improve..’

I'm therefore left in limbo and very frustrated, however, I suppose I should be grateful that I have the necessary tools and systems to protect from just this arising and to have left in ignorance of what I was heading into would have been a nightmare situation.

Clearly as I get more information I will keep you all updated…

Ben