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The next Nor'easter

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/14/2009 : 20:44:56

Well, you know you're in New England in the Fall when the National Weather Service (NOAA) predicts North Easterly wind gusts to 60 kts.

I was listening the NOAA radio today and the weather forecast almost made my hair stand on end!

They said that from Thursday afternoon to the wee hours of Friday morning, the Long Isladn, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut coast will be experiencing North East winds at 15-20 with gusts to 30, 25 to 30 with gusts to 35 and 30-35 with gusts to 40, depending on where you are.

I can also imagine that further east, Block Island, the Vinyard, SE Mass and Nantucket will likewise be threatened.

Waves are expected to be 14-18 feet in the open ocean. Along with the New Moon, tidal departures are expected to be 11 feet (when normal high tides reach 8 ft) and even low tides are expected to be a foot higher than usual.

So again, with Passage's northeasterly exposure on the slip, I expect to get banged around A LOT. I put all 8 fenders in place and double tied my dock lines. I tried to get into an inner slip, but no dice . . . . . the marina never called me back.

Last fall, a nor'easter with peak gusts of 45 kts heeled our boat beyond 50 degrees and the stern pulpit somehow got caught up under the floating dock slip. The port side of the pulpit got bent over by about 30 degrees and my stern-mounted life ring went to parts unknown.

I hope the luck of the Irish

is with me this year!

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2009 : 21:00:43

Bruce, have you ever thought about getting into Milford Harbor (or somewhere similar)? That outside dock, with its big SE exposure, wicked current, and no way to tie yourself off the dock, is a diabolical place to keep a boat.

For tomorrow, can you go down to the marina and point out the empty slips where boats have already been hauled? (There must be some...) If they won't give a multi-year customer some consideration during a nor'easter, they don't deserve your business.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2009 : 16:42:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Tonight: NE wind 24 to 27 kt, with gusts as high as 36 kt. Rain. Seas 4 to 5 ft.

Friday: NNE wind 21 to 26 kt, with gusts as high as 34 kt. Rain, mainly before noon. Seas 6 to 7 ft.

Friday Night: NE wind 17 to 21 kt. A chance of rain. Seas around 5 ft.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Bruce, This is not good. I have my fingers crossed for you. Last Saturday we went down to the Harbor just to look at the Sound. NW at 25-30K, gusts to 35K. We arrived just in time to see a sailboat break from its mooring ball and get blown down the Harbor onto a rock seawall. It died a slow death pounding itself with every wave. All my thoughts of giving up my nice safe slip at the Marina and moving to a mooring ball to save some money went down with that boat on the rocks! I will pay the price to be able to sleep on nights like this. I'm praying for you Bruce, I know you have put a lot of work in on Passage. Good Luck!

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2009 : 18:34:17

One of the problems with staying in for that last month of the New England already short sailing season, is that this stuff does happen. I remember some years back getting my ass handed to me after blowing off the Columbus Day weekend Sunday return trip from Newport with a similar storm blowing in.

My advice is to strip the boat and check on it frequently during the storm....

sten

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2009 : 21:05:12

Scott, I heard about that boat on Ch. 16 last week, it was referred to as a "derelict" by the USCG Sector LI Sound. I was very sad to hear about that.

I went down to the boat this evening, and it was snowing! The wind was blowing around 15-20 out of the NE, and there were some waves, but nothing killer.

The wind and waves were pushing the boat against the slip, so I had no fear that Passage would get loose, but its a pain that I can't tie it off on both sides to spring it in the middle of the slip.

Winds are expected to pick up slightly in the AM.

This winter, I have decided to store Passage at a lower cost marina. I can still work on her, and access is assured throughout the winter and its a little closer to my house.

In the spring I have two choices at Brewers:
(1) go back out on the tee end of B dock (great views);
(2) take an inner slip at a higher (30') price (and learn to dock);
or go over Milford Harbor and take a floating dock.
Milford Harbor will be a little bit less convenient, but a LOT less expensive.

I'll miss having the slip - but I won't miss the current and the nor'easters.

Edited by - Voyager on 10/15/2009 21:06:42

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 08:10:12

So here we go into round two of the noreaster....

Right now the sun's out and it's 49 degrees (9C), but the barometer's dropping and the winds will be picking up soon. We should stay in the 30s or low 40s overnight, and they are predicting snow! Sunday will have continuing rains and some wind, but it will be fading out during the Sunday overnight.

The slip next to me (on the lee side of the dock) became open, so I moved over into that spot. In this case, the wind pushes me off the dock, and I can tie up on three corners of the boat instead of just one side of the bow and stern.

Next week, the sun comes out Monday afternoon, with sun, moderate winds & high 60s predicted for Tue, Wed & Thur (this sounds like I can do an end of season overnight) somewhere. I think I can fit it in between job interviews.....

I've got to make the best of it now, because I plan on hauling out just before the end of October. (Is it too soon to haul out? Hmmmmm....)

What are the chances of a mild November - nah, maybe next year.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4306 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 10:48:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 ...In the spring I have two choices at Brewers:
(1) go back out on the tee end of B dock (great views);
(2) take an inner slip at a higher (30') price (and learn to dock);
or go over Milford Harbor and take a floating dock....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I moved from a fixed dock to a floating dock and will never go back. I'd drive a little farther for a floating dock, especially if I can pay a lot less.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 11:22:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 I moved from a fixed dock to a floating dock and will never go back. I'd drive a little farther for a floating dock, especially if I can pay a lot less.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...and Bruce's normal tide range is probably between 6' and 8.5' depending on the moon. (It's greater as you move west on Long Island Sound.)

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 14:09:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 I moved from a fixed dock to a floating dock and will never go back. I'd drive a little farther for a floating dock, especially if I can pay a lot less.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...and Bruce's normal tide range is probably between 6' and 8.5' depending on the moon. (It's greater as you move west on Long Island Sound.)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

A fixed dock in an area with that tidal range?? That's crazy. You must be constantly adjusting lines, fenders, etc.. Floaters rule.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 15:54:08

Oops! terminology! In LIS, if you don't have a floating dock or floating slips, the dock will sooner or later be underwater, or way high and dry. Docklines will be too short twice a day, or too long, or both.

What I meant by a "floating dock" as opposed to my current slip/finger [which also rises and falls with the tide] is a mooring in Milford Harbor with a 25 foot dock platform that is attached at both ends into the river bottom by a rode and big block of iron.

This option will be a great deal less expensive than Brewer's B-Dock, but I will certainly miss the collegial atmosphere of the marina, will be unable to participate in improptu gatherings with refreshments while going out or coming back, will no longer have access to the pool, won't be able to use the covered patio for get togethers and will no longer receive 8 free overnights at other Brewer's locations around LI Sound or the CT river, Narragansett bay, up the Cape (Cod) or the Islands or downeast Maine.

Instead, I will have to wait in line to launch a dink from a public dock, slog out to the dock with a bunch of supplies, invite my guests to use the solo port-o-let, park way over yonder, no pool, no comraderie, nyet!

But I will save buku bux. I guess you pay what you get for!

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 16:08:18

Ah, that makes more sense!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4306 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2009 : 19:59:29

Unless it's super major dollars I'd pay the extra to have the amenities. Especially for the rooms of rest.

Edited by - GaryB on 10/17/2009 20:00:08

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2009 : 06:47:56

I'll agree that creature comforts are exceedingly important.
A spot for next summer will be $600 for the mooring in Milford vs $2500 for the slip at Brewers.
I am also considering a few other locations, such as local boat clubs at lower costs with amenities, but which require sweat equity.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2009 : 08:52:15

$2500 is some serious bucks for a season slip/facilities in my part of the country. We belong to a club with nice facilities and yes, we do some sweat equity. Members (family) do 14-20 hours of "work party" each season. The number of hours varies each year. During seasons with a lot of regattas we put in more hours to have the club and grounds in top shape. This year with just a few major weekend events the club reduced the hours so we could all do more sailing!

I worked to run power to the new floating docks. Others helped install a new fresh water system. Next year we'll be re-roofing the clubhouse. That sort of thing. Plus you get work party hours for helping out with the club events, races, etc.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2009 : 09:36:04

Clubs are great--we belonged to one in Darien, CT--a wonderful value and great social scene--even better if you're a fisherman. The docking was a bit strange for a sailboat, but we and four other C-25s got by. (That explains your unusual stern-eyes, Bruce.) Voluntary work parties and projects took care of most issues. And BTW, the waiting list now for a 25-footer is probably over 15 years!

Bruce, I guess you're used to that spot (with its ferocious currents and exposure, and the Catalina hull has held up to the punishment (with lots of fenders)... Maybe when you get your next career going you can afford an inside slip so Passage can relax.

Edited by - on

C25OBrien
1st Mate

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USA
44 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2010 : 12:05:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by islander
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Tonight: NE wind 24 to 27 kt, with gusts as high as 36 kt. Rain. Seas 4 to 5 ft.

Friday: NNE wind 21 to 26 kt, with gusts as high as 34 kt. Rain, mainly before noon. Seas 6 to 7 ft.

Friday Night: NE wind 17 to 21 kt. A chance of rain. Seas around 5 ft.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Bruce, This is not good. I have my fingers crossed for you. Last Saturday we went down to the Harbor just to look at the Sound. NW at 25-30K, gusts to 35K. We arrived just in time to see a sailboat break from its mooring ball and get blown down the Harbor onto a rock seawall. It died a slow death pounding itself with every wave. All my thoughts of giving up my nice safe slip at the Marina and moving to a mooring ball to save some money went down with that boat on the rocks! I will pay the price to be able to sleep on nights like this. I'm praying for you Bruce, I know you have put a lot of work in on Passage. Good Luck!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That prior Saturday you are referring to was the second time I skippered my new (to me) C25. I purchased it in Stratford, and was planning on making the run to Mattituck on Long Island that day. I made it as far as Shoreham power plant and decided to head back to Port Jefferson (more familiar waters). The winds were pretty scary i guess 30 knots or so and the waves were probably approaching 7 feet. Being inexperienced in this boat, I took a few directly over the bow and swamped the cockpit and cabin a bit. We were sailing with no head sail and a full main. If I could have reefed I would have. We made it to Port Jeff, sailing downwind into the narrow harbor entrance was intense with 6-7 foot following seas. We had to gybe right in the harbor entrance and I cracked the tiller due to the extreme force I had to exert to keep the boat from rounding up. Ended up keeping the boat in PJ for the week and hauling out from there. I learned a lot of lessons that day (Don't leave the dock without a reefing system in place for one). I checked the weather and it was only calling for 15 knots that day, in the future I will be more diligent in weather checking. Despite being a pretty scary/hairy second voyage, I sleep better at night knowing that the C25 was able to take that much abuse and perform somewhat well. I assume I am going to get some stern talking from some of the old salts on here and I welcome the criticism. I should not have been out there that day, I've earned a renewed god-fearing type respect for the seas.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2010 : 14:45:30

You'll get nothing but respect from me for using your resourcefulness to get home safely. I will suggest, however, that you keep a spare tiller on board. It doesn't have to look good - just be strong. The tiller on my friend's boat broke in heavy weather a year ago, and we had to jury rig a boat hook to use to steer the boat. He now keeps a rough hewn, beefy spare tiller handle on the boat. It's bad to be out there trying to steer through big seas with a pair of vise grips.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5396 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2010 : 17:13:41

Steve, as always, good advice. I've got just the hefty piece of maple for the job.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2010 : 19:44:43

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 04/07/2010 19:45:22

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2010 : 06:05:06

Boy what a picture I got from listening to your story, sounds like a scary ride. Glad you were able to keep it all together and get home safe. And I agree, weatherweatherweather!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2010 : 12:37:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 Steve, as always, good advice. I've got just the hefty piece of maple for the job.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Thanks Bruce.

I've always wondered why tiller manufacturers make tillers so slender. I made a solid mahogany tiller that was about twice the diameter of a standard laminated tiller, and felt it was strong enough to withstand any sailing conditions. I'm no wood expert, but believe solid maple would be strong enough for a tiller, as long as it has a reasonably thick cross-section, and as long as you don't let a big leaguer try to hit a high and tight fastball with it.

Edited by - on

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