80. A Night of HELL Anchored! Sailing the Channel Islands.

In this video we sail (motor) from Santa Barbara to Forney Cove on Santa Cruz Island. That night we are hit by a 40-50 knot gale which threatens to push little Mig down onto the rocks. One of the very worst experiences I have ever had while anchored out.

#anchoredout #circumnavigation #anchoring #stormatanchor #Nor'sea27 #channelislands

[svrambleon]

That was quite a scary night with you guys out at anchor. Looking forward to watching your Pacific crossing adventure. Stay safe you two.

[wilsonfrye]

A small Hank on riding sail on the back stay, perhaps, to stop that sailing around your anchor.

[heath]

A sporty sleep! If you did leave and alao leave the anchor/chain, is there a standard way you'd stash it? Hard to imagine a fender working to keep it all buoyant

[RobTootallReynolds]

Put your genny in the dinghy with 30' tow line & a few floats with the cord attached. You'll be amazed how much quieter it is back there!

[petethecatable]

I have made the same mistakes in my 40 years of cruising. These stories point out something that has evolved into principles for anchorages and anchoring:
1. Predict Wind and other weather apps are often wrong, but checking them regularly and just before putting your gear down is important. Things change but going into a quiet anchorage or trusting what the other yachties tell you can be deceiving. Be ready to change your plans at the time of anchoring. Don't defer to the judgement of anyone else. Be responsible for your decisions.
2. Hunkering down behind gear that you have paid a lot of money for is particularly dangerous. Putting out 180 feet of chain is really good seamanship in an essentially open roadstead like this, and I have no argument that a Rocna is not a decent anchor but they are not magic. Rocna has spent enormous sums in marketing and there is no way to be absolutely sure you have not dropped and hooked on a rock and thought you were secure backing down. Once I backed down heavily only to break out and discover that my anchor was being lifted by a sunken blue tarp that it had briefly penetrated. Being overly confident of you gear can make you stay in a bad situation until it is impossible to get the gear up and leave (19 boats went up on the beach in Cabo many years ago, last year 6 cruisers did so in Costa Rica--waited too long to leave and could not retrieve their gear--some stayed off the beach by abandoning their anchors and rodes---and a windlass will not be enough to get you out- most of the recreational windlasses do not have the power to pull the boat up to the anchor in a blow. Don't let technology and marketing trump your judgement. Leave early when things do not look good. One reason cruisers need meaningful propulsion (something that can at least hold the boat bow to weather in 5 ft chop or so) is safety.
FWIW. I learned most everything about cruising the hard way, despite reading all the books. Like these folks, I was just lucky.

[evinwhiteson]

My 2 cents. Get the beta in hawaii. Or wait till australia. But truth told. I sailed all through south pacific leaving from oahu for a year on 30 feet with 25 gallons of gas with a atomic 4. I was 27 then. 33 years ago. . Theres wind all day every day. But after australia in asia forget it. You need reliable power to motor for days and days or you go no where.

[maritimetees]

The biggest issue with electric is what you are going through. When my buddy goes to Catalina from Ventura, he has to do the same thing as you guys. He regrets doing it. Daysailing is fine.

[garyseven]

I’m not telling you something you don’t know I’m sure, but the key to an electric sailboat is big drifter sails and being ok with being becalmed or just using the motor to try to get to a better wind area. And that’s the key. IMO. Can’t be on a schedule or in a hurry.

[leeskiles]

I'm really enjoying the content Tofer ! What kind of headlamp are you using?

[calebburton]

Those burritos looked tasty. How much gas did you use motoring into that cove?

[Worldviewsandthoughts]

If you don't want to motor then you need to learn to sail with the wind and tide like the real sailors of back in the day.
Looking forward to your Hawaii trip!!

[cecilpacetti]

I could be wrong but I think Sampson Boat Co put a beta marine hybrid on their boat.

[rtus]

Can I track you on Ship Tracker? I meant Vessel Finder.

[bendaves]

I wouldn't want to listen to the gasoline generator or a diesel generator.. they make them but if you're going to have to listen to a engine it might as well be one of those new Beta engines that is upgraded to your exact needs.. sailing magic carpet just put out a video on their new beta with 2 alternators and other add ons.. you atleast have given it a try with the electric unit... I don't think the technology is quite where it needs to be for circumnavigation unless you have a larger boat with all kinds of solar panels.. have you seen the 19 year old Hawaii young man who is circumnavigating by himself in the same boat as you only his doesn't have the rear bedroom

[garyseven]

I’m not telling you something you don’t know I’m sure, but the key to an electric sailboat is big drifter sails and being ok with being becalmed or just using the motor to try to get to a better wind area. And that’s the key. IMO. Can’t be on a schedule or in a hurry.