Tagged: fall boating
Big Seas
Big Waves It is the last week of September and sea conditions are rapidly transitioning to Fall boating which is characterized by heavy sailing conditions, large swells and an aggressive chop, from local weather patterns and large remote disturbances. The picturesque result, when viewed from the beach, is a bit more thought provoking when on board: will I unexpectedly wrap a lobster pot line around the prop, immobilizing the boat in the huge waves?; will I hit a rock obscured by the surf and quickly take on water; or will I catch a rogue wave at a bad angle which [...]
Scouts
Historically, the Boy Scouts motto has been “be prepared”. Based on my experience today, I think it’s an excellent one for fall boaters, too. This afternoon, the swells were in the 6-7 foot range and there was a confused chop laying on top of the massive waves. Many times throughout the afternoon, I could feel and observe the boat being rapidly thrust forward on top of a massive wave with a significant reduction of control on my part. Here are some mental notes I made. One, stand while piloting to give yourself the best chance of avoiding entanglement with lobster [...]