This spring I bought an '85 H34 and I sail on Lake Michigan. My learning is coming along and due to lack of real interest from the family, I mostly single-hand, although I never go out alone. I have also struggled from a lack of wind. Most days are 5 kts or less, like today. I did, however, install a downrigger and the kids love Salmon fishing (2 good ones today).
On our way back to the harbor a large T storm developed to the North of us. It seemed quite far away. After a short deliberation, I decided to drop the sails, as I thought this was the preferred course of action. There have been several capsizings this year during thunderstorms, most being experienced sailors.
A few short minutes later (first lesson, they aren't are far away as they look, at least not the bursts), the strong wind hit. I kept motoring into the wind, until it started to howl and blow the water into the air as mist. My first inclination from reading was to stop and get below until it passed (typical summer T-storm, not a system). I ultimately chickened out and chose to run off (notice speeds as high as 9 kts). The storm was to the North and the wind was blowing South. I rode the wind for about 45 minutes until it was not gale force and then wen't below. Was completely soaked and I was only on the edge of it. After riding it out for a bit, a new storm was developing south of me and the North was now clear, so motored back north to Harbor. Was amazed that 45 minutes of wind could develop 6 foot seas, as the lake was basically dead calm before the storm.
At the dock a guy on a neighboring mooring said he clocked 45 mph winds. I asked what he did and he said he just took down the sails and went below to ride it out (he has a 36' saiilboat). This is what I thought most sailboaters do on Lake Mihcigan.
My question is, did I do the right thing or should I have just went below? I had plenty of searoom and knew that breaking waves couldn't develop in an hour in 80' of water.
What scared me was an experience I had 2 months ago. I was on the boat doing maintenance work while on my mooring. I had watched a bad storm develop just off shore. Major lighting and eery, deep black clouds (tornado type). I was quite scared. While watching this develop, I saw very large chunks of water being blown off the sea. Shortly, I saw as very large wall of water lift about 25 feet above the lake. A few seconds later, the neighboring boats mast came over and missed my boat by a few feet. A split second later, my boat was on its side (about 80 degrees tipped). I was standing in the companion way, so well supported. I bounced back up and the rest of the storrn was classic fare with pretty intense wind. All the dinghys were flipped. The prevailing wind was 90 degrees from the burst (presumable off the cell a couple miles out). This presented my broadside to the burst. Mind you, I was in a harbor and waves were 3 feet at best. I was simply amazed that wind alone could knock my boat over.
Needless to say, this experience has intensified my respect for what a storm can bring. This was a "super cell." The rotating type that spawns tornado's and water spouts. A tornado actually struck a few miles south of my harbor, confirming my suspicion of the deep black. low clouds. The harbor 4 miles north, clocked gusts of 94 mph from that cell. As it moved down the lake, it capsized three boats off Chicago (headline news). I wondered how they were handling it when they went over. I suspect they had sails up, as it was dusk and the storm was not predicted.
I appreciate your support as I go through this learning experience. I try to learn all I can from events like this. We must always examine our decisions and pull out learnings.
I feel that I handled it well, but not sure it was best handled. It's amazing what you hear on the radio. Shortly before we were hit, there was some panicked guy on the radio asking the coast gaurd what to do. Made me glad I had done some research and knew my options and dangers (getting near shore or harbors).
Thanks,
Larry
On our way back to the harbor a large T storm developed to the North of us. It seemed quite far away. After a short deliberation, I decided to drop the sails, as I thought this was the preferred course of action. There have been several capsizings this year during thunderstorms, most being experienced sailors.
A few short minutes later (first lesson, they aren't are far away as they look, at least not the bursts), the strong wind hit. I kept motoring into the wind, until it started to howl and blow the water into the air as mist. My first inclination from reading was to stop and get below until it passed (typical summer T-storm, not a system). I ultimately chickened out and chose to run off (notice speeds as high as 9 kts). The storm was to the North and the wind was blowing South. I rode the wind for about 45 minutes until it was not gale force and then wen't below. Was completely soaked and I was only on the edge of it. After riding it out for a bit, a new storm was developing south of me and the North was now clear, so motored back north to Harbor. Was amazed that 45 minutes of wind could develop 6 foot seas, as the lake was basically dead calm before the storm.
At the dock a guy on a neighboring mooring said he clocked 45 mph winds. I asked what he did and he said he just took down the sails and went below to ride it out (he has a 36' saiilboat). This is what I thought most sailboaters do on Lake Mihcigan.
My question is, did I do the right thing or should I have just went below? I had plenty of searoom and knew that breaking waves couldn't develop in an hour in 80' of water.
What scared me was an experience I had 2 months ago. I was on the boat doing maintenance work while on my mooring. I had watched a bad storm develop just off shore. Major lighting and eery, deep black clouds (tornado type). I was quite scared. While watching this develop, I saw very large chunks of water being blown off the sea. Shortly, I saw as very large wall of water lift about 25 feet above the lake. A few seconds later, the neighboring boats mast came over and missed my boat by a few feet. A split second later, my boat was on its side (about 80 degrees tipped). I was standing in the companion way, so well supported. I bounced back up and the rest of the storrn was classic fare with pretty intense wind. All the dinghys were flipped. The prevailing wind was 90 degrees from the burst (presumable off the cell a couple miles out). This presented my broadside to the burst. Mind you, I was in a harbor and waves were 3 feet at best. I was simply amazed that wind alone could knock my boat over.
Needless to say, this experience has intensified my respect for what a storm can bring. This was a "super cell." The rotating type that spawns tornado's and water spouts. A tornado actually struck a few miles south of my harbor, confirming my suspicion of the deep black. low clouds. The harbor 4 miles north, clocked gusts of 94 mph from that cell. As it moved down the lake, it capsized three boats off Chicago (headline news). I wondered how they were handling it when they went over. I suspect they had sails up, as it was dusk and the storm was not predicted.
I appreciate your support as I go through this learning experience. I try to learn all I can from events like this. We must always examine our decisions and pull out learnings.
I feel that I handled it well, but not sure it was best handled. It's amazing what you hear on the radio. Shortly before we were hit, there was some panicked guy on the radio asking the coast gaurd what to do. Made me glad I had done some research and knew my options and dangers (getting near shore or harbors).
Thanks,
Larry
