An important lesson learned on day # 9.

Trip dates: 
Monday, March 29, 2021
Trip length: 
1 day
Type of watercraft: 
Sail
  • Quiet before the storm.

They were predicting another strong, gusty wind day but I decided to go out anyway.  It was about 8:30 when I left and it didn't look that bad.  A strong wind from the west pushed me out of Mattox Creek quickly and I realized it was getting windier and should head back.  When the winds died down a bit, I should have taken that opportunity to furl my jib and lower and secure the main but I didn't.  By the time I decided I should secure everything it was too late.  I furled the jib okay but wasn't able to secure the mainsheet very well so it just flapped around as I motored in.  It was very challenging getting onto the lift with the high winds and I came close to having the head of the mainsail getting cut or caught in my outboards propellor.   I thank God for making it back safely and fortunately no damage to the boat.  I will definitely think twice before I go out when they are predicting gusts over 20mph.