Let me begin by saying that we both really like storms.
Not the ones that will put us at danger,
but the ones we can view while safely at a dock
or at anchor.
We have even rushed back to the boat when a good one was forecast,
just to sit in the cockpit
and watch the show.
We used to go out on our home lake in heavy winds
and high waves
to see how R.E.D. handles
and maybe more importantly,
see how we manage together as a good sailing team
while under sail
and under motor.
We were never far from shore or our club
to return quickly if needed.
Today we knew a thunder storm (orage in French)
was forecast.
We headed out early,
leftover pizza and coffee to go…
The gathering cloud formations confirmed that a storm was imminent.
Just past Prescott,
we found a small bay to anchor.
Winds had picked up gradually,
but then increased significantly.
We watched…
…and watched…
…then Francois noticed we were far closer to shore than we had been.
…motor on,
life vest donned,
dragging anchor quickly retrieved…
…and watched the approaching storm…
And… what happened?
We were able to haul up the anchor before hitting the shore. Five more minutes and it would have been too late. That little anchor of ours has been great but it doesn't hold well in weed. Should have gone to the US (calmer) side in the first place but didn't want the reporting in/out hassle. Lesson learned.