A Storm in Port Sidney

Friday, December 18, 2020

David Dressed for a Cloudy and Cold Morning

The weather forecast was for 25-35 knots (45-60 km/hr) winds from the SE. While this would blow us in the direction we watned to go, Karalee and David made the decision not to make their first sail on Sea Bird in those conditions. Just getting off and on the dock would have been extremely challenging.

The weather worsened throughout the day. Very strong winds and waves were striking the breakwater at Port Sidney. For lunch, we went to the pub next to Port Sidney. While were sitting down a Catalina 28 that had been anchored by the pier broke its anchor line, drifted by where we were sitting, and even with the coast guard there to try and help the boat struck the breakwater and was sunk in less than twenty minutes. Fortunately, no one was on board and no one got hurt. It confirmed that we had made the right decision to stay put.

It also gave time for David to work on the boat. Figuring out where all the lines went. Where everything should be put away. How to manage getting in and out of the full enclosure around the cockpit.

We also did more shopping in the afternoon. We got a few more things, like pillows and kitchen supplies, that would make Sea Bird more comfortable for us. As the wind continued to howl, we sat snug down below with our heater going.

Hardtop Bimini and Dodger of Sea Bird

Solar Panel on the Bimini of Sea Bird

Beautiful Nautical Gingerbread House at the Hotel Near Port Sidney

A Boat Anchored off the Sidney Pier in a December Storm. Later this boat would break its anchor line and sink.

The Breakwater of Port Sidney

David Braving the Strong Winds on the Port Sidney Breakwater