When we came to terms that we had lost the anchor and saw the latest weather forecast witch contained symbols that we had never seen because they represented 60 knots and above, coming up from the North Pacific in a few days. We decided to leave as soon as possible for Dutch despite the 30 and 40 knot winds predicted. We spent the next couple of hours refuelling the engine and stove as well as cooking heavy weather food and set sail South for Dutch Harbour.
Belzebub sailed beautifully through the 3-4 meter breaking waves but what we had failed to understand is that the Bearing sea usually has two wave directions one from the prevailing winds and one from either old seas or rebound from close by land masses. This meant that while we sailed with the wind we had 3-4 meter waves on our stern stacking with 2-3 meter beam waves which slammed over the deck of the boat or poured in over the stern of the boat occasionally filling the cockpit. Add to this that now we were encountering 12 hour nights and it made for long watches.
The winds continued to increase and soon the sails were reduced so much we had to change them to the storm sails. For three days we rolled with the waves and wind and everything on board was wet with spray. We soon encountered the Bearing fishing fleet and the AIS was alive with activity which made us feel more comfortable about our surroundings. That being said despite the difficult conditions the boat handled every situation beautiful and we were never concerned about our safety.
Soon we were approaching Dutch Harbour in the darkness of night, the harbour was surrounded by impressive mountains and the lights of the fishing and crabbing fleet that lined its shores. We tied up in the small boat harbour which proudly stated its location on a carved wooden pilar “Unalaska, Alaska” we had a short look around and slept late into the next day.
Cool!
Amazing, at this rate you guys will be Seattle before you know it :) I have a HR 42F, its good to see these boats being put to the test in the Bearing sea.
“the latest weather forecast witch contained symbols that we had never seen” now thats funny!
Make sure you guys come down here! The weather is not getting better anymore. I am following your progress and I am with you in my thoughts. If you need anything once you come down into the Juan de Fucca strait, Victoria, BC, let me know.
Are you guys planning to stop in Nanaimo, BC? I’ve been following your trip and would love to stop by and say hi if you are. The calm seas of Georgia Straight might be welcome!