GALE CONDITIONS ON PASSAGE SOUTH

Tim Noble, SV Liana

 Liahona crossed the Gulf Stream in light winds of 5 8 knots on November 5.    Throughout the day the winds built 10-12 knots, 11-15 for most of the day moving Liahona at her most favorite pace of about 6.5 to 9 knots through the water.  As the afternoon began to set in winds continued to build and so did the seas.  By nightfall the winds had grown to 30-35 knots and seas had built to 8-11 foot at 8 seconds.

While on watch about 2:00 AM the seas reached their peak and with Liahona under reduced sail and experiencing 25-35 knots winds with 8-12 ft seas the waves became steep and cresting.  Finally at 2:00 AM a cresting wave broke over the stern and filled the cockpit with water 2ft deep.

With the companionway closed the breaking wave was confined to the cockpit only.  The water drained in 45 seconds but was followed by a thunderous squall that was also from the stern.  Fortunately the crew member on watch was tethered in and wearing all their foul weather gear.

With cockpit completely soaked from salt water and eventually fresh water the boat managed the waves and system very well.  With only a small patch of genoa out Liahona was still able to remain stable and watched as other rally goers passed us at a staggering 8 knots.

By morning the wind started to subside, and the waves had started to collapse to a more milder and manageable state.  However it became apparent that the next following front would not allow Liahona enough time to get far enough south to avoid another high sea state with similar winds that produced the breaking wave over the stern.

The morning after the big winds Liahona was visited by the USCG C-130 looking for another vessel named Liahona.  The captain responded to the USCG questions and was also advised by a family member on the shore that there was another vessel named Liahona, a 37ft Pacific Seacraft, that was missing.

The captain provided the last known position based on information from a family member.  Fortunately the other vessel eventually arrived safely in Puerto Rico.

The captain decided to head for Bermuda for weather avoidance.  During the stop in Bermuda 2/3rds of the crew had to leave for personal reasons.  Crew was found through the Salty Dawgs on short notice and provided an even better crew than Liahona left Hampton with.

The rest of the journey was met with some good sailing and some motoring.  Liahona arrived in St. Martin, the final destination, with only 1 failure of an altenator belt for the charging system which was replaced while under way.  The crew and vessel arrived in excellent condition and high spirits.

The trip provided the captain, who has only been sailing Liahona for just 1.5 years, an invaluable experience in guiding his boat and crew to his farthest destination in an open water passage.  Salty Dawgs provided an excellent opportunity for Liahona to show her true colors and the captain to expand his capabilities and knowledge of his boat.