We found what appeared to be a decent weather window for our departure from Clear Lake Shores, Texas to Key West, Florida beginning on November 24. It would be foggy and drizzly and a bit sporty but manageable for the first 2 days, then it would be a comfortable sail for 4 to 5 days to our destination. We would toast each other on a job well done, get some sleep and start thinking about what was next. Well, that was how is was SUPPOSED to go but if we have learned anything over the years, it is that nothing ever goes according to plan.
Day one started as described with fog and drizzle. In 20 knot winds, Ceol Mor was in her element. We settled in for the passage, did our best to stay dry and comfortable and sail on. After 12 long years, we were finally on our way. As evening fell, we ate homemade chicken and mushroom pie for dinner while Ceol Mor glided through relatively calm waters. While the drizzle made things a bit damp, our spirits were high and we began to fall into the rhythm of life on passage.
As morning broke on our second day at sea, the winds picked up and the waves began to build. Ceol Mor was in her element. It was remarkable to see her power through the waves. The seas built up, charging white horses capped the waves as the winds increased to 25-30 knots. Ceol Mor was handling the conditions so, so beautifully. We were making good speed over ground and the boat was taking the increased seas in stride. Though a bit on the sporty side, this was a day full of good sailing. We had a small tear appear in our jib and our plan was to wait for conditions to calm down enough to patch and repair it. The forecasts indicated that conditions would improve throughout the following day and we would be treated to really comfortable sailing for the next 3-5 days of our passage to Key West.
Day three dawned and the seas began to build. These were big BIG seas. Photos and videos never do justice, but we estimated we were in 12-15 foot seas. Just making coffee was a big task in these conditions. Mark and I traded off watches based on fatigue. We were sleeping when possible and constantly checking in with each other- “You good? Need a break?” We made certain to stay hydrated and fed and continued on our course.
The winds continued to pick up, when suddenly out of nowhere we were hit by a squall. I stopped looking at the wind speed once it hit 50 knots and concentrated fully on staying safe and on the boat. Our jib was now in tatters. Our radar, which was mounted on our backstay with a Scan Strut was now swinging freely as the base had broken free in the squall. Perfect. Just perfect.
My mantra during this time was “all storms pass” and indeed, eventually this storm also passed. The seas were still huge but we managed to tie down the radar, rig a preventer and we began running with the wind. This was absolutely some of the most beautiful sailing I have ever experienced. We were heading for calmer weather to sort out and repair the damage. We had communications with a very experienced sailor who suggested we change course to the South to avoid the worst of the Gulf gyre and find relative calm to assess the state of the equipment and repair what we could.
But wait, there is more…
(to be continued)
