100mph+

codprawn · 21 November 2009, 22:13

Just had a really scary moment.

Went down to check on the RIB - another bow eye gone - lasted 10 days this time. Damage as well - all the reinforcing patches under the bow scuffed, worn and peeling away - harbourmaster had tied it back up for me but ropes needed extra work.

Mate and I were down there at 8pm - been ill in bed last few days with really bad flu - raging fever - really didn't want to go down there - very nasty swell in the harbour again which makes things 10x harder.

As we were rigging up extra ropes all hell broke loose. Never in all my life have I seen anything like it. There was a bright flash out at sea - then a few seconds later the wind came from nowhere - my mate was on the boat and I was on the pontoon.

Almost took me off my feet and I am not exactly small. All the water seemed to be rising up out of the harbour at us - drenched completely in 2 seconds. Even my hiking boots full of water. I had to dive for a piling to hang on. The force on the pontoons was incredible. There is a Fairline 30 next to my boat and it was almost ripping the main cleats out of the pontoons. They will all need checking.

I honestly thought all the pontoons were going to be ripped away. The noise was incredible - worse than any film I have ever seen. All we could do was hang on for grim death. When it died down slightly we made a run for the shore.

Within 20 mins there was no rain and no wind. I don't know if it was a tornado or just a very very heavy squall but I never want to experience that again. Doesn't help when you aren't well either.

The sooner I get my boat out of that bloody harbour the better - it's never going back there!!!

HUMBER P4VWL · 21 November 2009, 22:30

Glad you are ok codders.

Just shows what could happen if you are caught out at sea!

Hope the boat is ok too...get it out and safe!!

willk · 21 November 2009, 22:32

Glad you're not hooked under a pontoon lad!

Word has it this will be a night to remember. I had a whiteout squall come through my locality today, I couldn't see the next field - sheets of water and the wildest of contrary winds. My vehicles are parked away from trees tonight. Fingers crossed. 950mB predicted.

codprawn · 21 November 2009, 22:43

I am still pretty shaken up about it - been on top of mountains in blizzards and worse but nothing like that.

Going back down to check again now I have dry clothes on - it wasn't rain the water is salt!!!

Should be ok now - once the tide is out the wind can do what it likes down there.

How the water was pulled up out of the harbour is a mystery - it is in the lee of the harbour wall and it rose vertically. My brother was at home in Swansea and there was nothing other than usual wind and rain.

willk · 21 November 2009, 22:52

Hopefully you guys haven't lost a Boomer in St. Georges Channel....

Mollers · 21 November 2009, 23:50

Can't you get the boat out of the water and tucked away somewhere safe codders?

I'd not sleep if mine were in the water all winter.

codprawn · 22 November 2009, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Can't you get the boat out of the water and tucked away somewhere safe codders?

I'd not sleep if mine were in the water all winter.

I have been trying to for the last 3 weeks - constant gales and no sign of it getting any better.

Just got back from the harbour again - must be blowing 60mph but with the tide out it can do what it likes - 6am time to worry again.

Bigmuz7 · 22 November 2009, 00:42

What have ye done to upset the big man upstairs ? mon now, get a grip .. the sea is a frightener at its worst for sure .. but it is calm too.. so read the wind & tide and pick your moment to get the job done ..

codprawn · 22 November 2009, 01:55

I wonder that myself!!!

codprawn · 22 November 2009, 02:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

What have ye done to upset the big man upstairs ? mon now, get a grip .. the sea is a frightener at its worst for sure .. but it is calm too.. so read the wind & tide and pick your moment to get the job done ..

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/...t_weather.html

Here is the 5 day forecast - not much chance of things calming down - over 50mph every day and 25' waves coming in off the Atlantic............

Knot Yet · 22 November 2009, 08:20

Sounds horrendous - glad you are okay Codders

J

Tony · 22 November 2009, 13:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Just had a really scary moment.

Went down to check on the RIB - another bow eye gone - lasted 10 days this time. Damage as well - all the reinforcing patches under the bow scuffed, worn and peeling away - harbourmaster had tied it back up for me but ropes needed extra work.

Mate and I were down there at 8pm - been ill in bed last few days with really bad flu - raging fever - really didn't want to go down there - very nasty swell in the harbour again which makes things 10x harder.

As we were rigging up extra ropes all hell broke loose. Never in all my life have I seen anything like it. There was a bright flash out at sea - then a few seconds later the wind came from nowhere - my mate was on the boat and I was on the pontoon.

Almost took me off my feet and I am not exactly small. All the water seemed to be rising up out of the harbour at us - drenched completely in 2 seconds. Even my hiking boots full of water. I had to dive for a piling to hang on. The force on the pontoons was incredible. There is a Fairline 30 next to my boat and it was almost ripping the main cleats out of the pontoons. They will all need checking.

I honestly thought all the pontoons were going to be ripped away. The noise was incredible - worse than any film I have ever seen. All we could do was hang on for grim death. When it died down slightly we made a run for the shore.

Within 20 mins there was no rain and no wind. I don't know if it was a tornado or just a very very heavy squall but I never want to experience that again. Doesn't help when you aren't well either.

The sooner I get my boat out of that bloody harbour the better - it's never going back there!!!

.......

codprawn · 22 November 2009, 18:55

Yes very funny - ok here you are then!!!

Went down again today to put some layflat hose thorugh the ropes to stop them chaffing the tubes.

Bilges 1/3 full of water - new battery has lasted 2 weeks. Took my Clarke Hippo pump with me - power off as well now!!!

Spoke to the harbour master - really nice bloke from Guernsey - said he had never seen weather like it or such a bad place.

Apparently we were observed last night - nice to know someone was watching out for us. Apparently the water in the harbour rose by about 6' in a second but I didn't even see that. It was described as some sort of cyclone or tornado.