Early on Tuesday morning, when the wind gusts started hitting 50 knots, we could feel a noticeable change from the mere 30 to 40 that had been the norm for the previous few hours. No longer were we just swinging on our Bruce anchor and all chain rode, but heeling sharply as though sailing close-hauled. We were anchored near Bellingham and fortunately made the decision to head for safety and more shelter a few hours before big gusts in the upper 60s started sweeping through Bellingham Bay. In retrospect, I wish I would have grabbed a photo as we sailed downwind at five knots under bare poles before I put the hammer down on our Perkins.

This was the result for the Horizon Fairbanks on Tuesday morning. And at the same time from our new spot in the harbor (just behind the ship) I counted no less than three headsails being shredded by the big breeze. At that point there was simply nothing you could do.

Right now, at 1330 on Wednesday, we’re halfway between the three big storms that have been forecast and it’s relatively calm. It’s supposed to start getting fun again tonight through Thursday night, so we’ll see how it goes. Stay tuned.