"I'll just cruise the Bahamas this year and get used to solo sailing..."

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sofsip@reddit

We left Highbourne Monday morning so we got lucky. Here is he lighning map taken from Nassau:

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This was at Highborne Cay this morning. Knew a storm was coming so did my best to tuck in. Did NOT expect 70+ knots. Everyone was dragging including some very large motor yachts. My anchor bridle snapped clean off and the windlass then failed. So I had 200ft of chain and 100 ft of rode out. Connected to the bitter end. It was pretty scary honestly.

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cymen@reddit

What part of the anchor bridle system broke? The rope or cleats/attachment points to boat or something to the chain? Just curious! That must have been intense.

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Naive_Adeptness6895@reddit

Water depth?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

9-13 feet

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Pretend_College_8446@reddit

we are hungry for your story! what kind of boat are you on?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Here was the buildup to it. The lightning woke me up: https://imgur.com/a/MGMuMAs

I'm on a Tartan 4100. I have a Rocna 55. Makes me want to perhaps go up a size for next season. Although it has been absolutely solid so far... I'm not actually sure I dragged. My anchor alarm was going off but it looks like that may just have been the line snapping and me letting everything out. I hauled up the anchor in more or less the same spot I dropped it.

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Westcoastul@reddit

Did you get the motor on to relieve some of the load on the rode?

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GrantMeThePower@reddit

This was the question I had too, especially after the bridle broke.

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Pretend_College_8446@reddit

oh mylanta, that's scary lightning. I don't think anyone regrets having a larger anchor than one needs. love the T4100. I've got a Tartan 31 that i've thought might be just about big enough to take to the Bahamas one day.

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rhadenosbelisarius@reddit

I once regretted a large anchor. It was snagged on fishing nets in a ball with a half dozen concrete blocks attached on the seafloor. Tried to pull it up mechanically and blew a fuse before I figured out there was anything wrong, had to manually haul up the anchor and the concrete using pulleys to make it the load manageable in order to cut the concrete away.

Getting into the water after hauling it up was no fun either. If you ever have to, make sure you won’t get snagged on anything you cut away, and make sure you have a flotation device if you are too tired to swim at full power.

Still, in general a big anchor and a heavy chain helps with peace of mind. The last thing you want is to drag into a sea cliff while you’re knocked out.

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vespene_jazz@reddit

You should be ok with a 31, the Bahamas are easy waters to sail if you use the islands as protection. We’ve seen much smaller boats make it down to Georgetown easily. Going past Long Island becomes more difficult since you are exposed to the raw ocean.

Freak storms like this morning are not common AFAIK.

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WayAgreeable3999@reddit

Shoe size??!

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Naive_Adeptness6895@reddit

What boat? What anchor type and weight? Sound level type? More juicy details please.

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Raneynickelfire@reddit

Sound level type

Logarithmic.

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Ok-Interaction-8891@reddit

I appreciate this comment. :)

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BillySpacs@reddit

I’m not a sailor and am learning for the first time the origin of the common phrase “bitter end”

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jjdlg@reddit

Searching the comments to see if I was the only one. TIL.

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BillySpacs@reddit

I saw a video on tiktok explaining like 10 common phrases that come from sailing/nautical terms and it was kind of surprising how much of our language is sailing derived. I don’t remember bitter end even being one included

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JettaGLi16v@reddit

I like the cut of your jib!

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LateralThinkerer@reddit

"If you're just hanging on at the end of your rope, you're at the bitter end"

Before the "It's called 'line'" chorus starts, it's a mnemonic/good way to remember it.

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slavatejasu@reddit

It's called a line

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LameBMX@reddit

It's called a line

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EuphoricAd5826@reddit

Bitter end at the end of your rope. The opposite side is called the working end.

Bitter end is also an awesome resort joking referred to as “the bitter end yacht club” in the BVI’s

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Disastrous-Angle-591@reddit

That’s its actual name. BEYC

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FairSeafarer@reddit

70... You have a video, otherwise, it would be one more sailing story! I'm glad you are safe. Did some people end up in poor situations? How long did it last?

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bozza8@reddit

How did the anchor bridle fail, was it chafe? Very odd to have it snap but the bitter end not go - especially with rope rode.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

I had a snubber that kind of looked like this:

https://www.grabyourtackle.com.au/products/anchor-snubber-rope-6-8mm-chain-mooring-snubber-for-boat-anchor-winch?srsltid=AfmBOorbK9LSpMe0njT-NpIHXyY8sSH8x5le3Irz2mFh1ZFT8WS0SbQG

It kind of like links onto the chain, and then you run the snubber line through it. Had chafe protection at the cleats, but I think it chaffed and failed at the metal snubber itself. Both chafe guards were still on at the cleats. So.. lesson learned. I've been using this because it came with the boat, but I'll get something better.

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FairSeafarer@reddit

Get the double Mantus anchor and bridle system. We swear by it on anchor, and then you also have something to get towed or tow someone.

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Ok_Copy_5690@reddit

That’s only 16mm diameter and 3 m, you would do better with larger diameter, and longer length to allow for more elasticity and strength. You need the elasticity for a shock absorbing. We never stop learning. Glad you came ok

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ziper1221@reddit

Larger diameter means less elasticity.

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Ok_Copy_5690@reddit

True, but longer length adds elasticity too. OP‘s original snubber wasn’t up to the task, so I recommend upsizing and lengthening.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

I meant just the hook itself. But actually I think I had 5/8 3 strand there which is about 16mm I suppose. What would you recommend for replacement?

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Ok_Copy_5690@reddit

Depends on your boat size. This one wasn’t up to the task. 3/4” or 19mm is a better option and it would match better with 3/8” or 10mm chain. The length is also important. I recommend at least 5 or 6 meters for storm conditions. The extra length allows for more shock absorption to attenuate the peak dynamic loads.

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Halyard44@reddit

Glad you’re well! My boat came with a similar metal gizmo. Upon close inspection I realized it was slightly bent, so I dumped the metal gizmo and attached the snubber to the rode using a rolling hitch or icicle hitch. No special gizmo required.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

That's what I'm planning to do. I was thinking two lines, one to each cleat then to the chain each has its own hitch to for form a bridle? Is that what you do?

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jonathanrdt@reddit

Thanks for sharing. With anchor and related tackle, always go one or two sizes up. Extreme conditions test everything in every way.

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Plastic_Table_8232@reddit

Do you use an anchor buoy?

Did you fire up the motor and power into it a bit to take the force off the anchor?

Sometimes the fastest way to get off the anchor is to cut it loose. The anchor buoy in theory will allow you to recover it.

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krostybat@reddit

While I've seen the motor being used for a short period of time to relieve the line a bit.

I've never seen an anchor buoy.

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Plastic_Table_8232@reddit

Most anchors have a hole for them. They also work like a trip cord to pull the anchor out when it s stuck.

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mwax321@reddit

Highborne is a shitty spot to be in bad weather. It's always rolly there, even in decent conditions.

Just shake it off and head south. Exumas are my favorite sailing grounds on earth.

I love sailing on the bank. You get all the wind from the sound and barely any waves!

Then, when you feel like fishing, head thru the cut and catch some mahe in the sound!

We spent 2 years sailing around Bahamas.

Big majors near staniel cay is an excellent spot to chill. We would load up groceries and spend a month there. Dinghy over to beaches and sand bars with some chairs and just hang!

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Lowcountry25@reddit

Too crowded there these days. The pigs have ruined it.

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mwax321@reddit

Anchor far from pig beach on opposite side near the cruiser beach. It's still perfect.

You can dinghy to numerous little islands nearby and setup your own little beach party.

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Lowcountry25@reddit

Have been there multiple times dating back to 2009. It's not like it used to be. Still beautiful and fun, yes.

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mwax321@reddit

Things change. raggeds are probably closer to what you remember. We spent 2 months there. There was a 2 week span where we didn't see a single other boat, outside of a few local fishing boats passing by in the distance.

Lots of fish and sharks.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Yeah.. forecast called for east winds so I just wanted to stage for my trip back to Nassau. Wish I had been in a better spot.

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mwax321@reddit

Yeah we normally stop at highborne for the same reason.

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FarAwaySailor@reddit

Well done for making it through. Every day is a schoolday on the boat. My anchor bridle setup:

a 6mm dynema soft shackle (good until 5-6000kgf) onto chain and through a steel-thimbled eye in a 2cm triple wound nylon line, led over the spare bow roller through chafe-protection and onto one of the bow cleats.
a chain-hook on the slack-side of the chain above the bridle, on 6mm dyneema eye-spliced to the other bow cleat.
above the chain-hook, the chain is wrapped around the cleat mounted on the top of the windlass.

This info is not meant to criticize in any way, just to inform and help others.

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Strenue@reddit

I use mantus gear to do the same the whole way through. Bridle, roller, to an 85lbs mantus and all 5/8 chain. With their swivel

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Hefty_Anywhere_8537@reddit

Saw some of the most insane squalls ever during my time in the Bahamas. Never seen such thick, black lines of cloud, lightening at sea that makes your hair stand in end, multiple 360 spins on the hook, all whilst sitting with 1m under the keel and bugger all chain out because ive anchored in what shelter I could find in the exumas. Amazing stuff.

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StumblingBlockson@reddit

Well that's a decent breeze. Any damage, besides the bridle and windlass?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Biggest damage was to my confidence. I felt pretty helpless at the height of it.

Other real damage was my stack pack got a bit shredded and it looks like one of my solar panels flexed and spider-webbed.

All in all I'm just happy it's over and I came out unscathed.

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FairSeafarer@reddit

Sheeesh, thank goodness the solar panel did not fly off. We've had that in a hurricane. Somehow, it flew off and landed flat like a pancake on a dock between 2 boats without damaging anything else... The wind had just "ripped" it off.

Take a step back. You survived through it. You are fine and now you know how 70 feels! It remains a rare weather event. Some sailors live their whole lives without seeing 70. So, the good news is it won't probably happen to you again. You'll watch the weather differently, that's for sure. I hope your confidence recovers fully!

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StumblingBlockson@reddit

Honestly, I think it's a good testament to your anchoring and choice of tackle. That's a rough wee gust to hold through, and definitely unsettling in the moment, but now you know that you can handle it.

I've reviewed dozens of reports on similar incidents, and often the skipper panics and tries to motor out or reset - the exact opposite of 'hold fast' - you made the right move and held fast. I've dragged a sandy Bruce under a 50-55 kt onshore squall at night about ten years ago, and it left me pretty shaken. But now I realise that it's manageable (and advisable to keep a second anchor ready to chuck off the bow in a breeze).

Please make sure I'm inspect every inch of your tackle for chafing or other damage. And massive respect for sharing this video - a lot of us will (hopefully) learn something from it.

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TenYearHangover@reddit

It might feel like a hit to your confidence but really I think it will be great in the long run… you survived a gnarly experience will a small amount of damage and some great lessons. You’ll be better off for it next time!! Now try to relax for a month…

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chrisxls@reddit

And hopefully, the fact that 30kts feels relaxing means your confidence is actually better -- it won't feel like that tho, you're going to be a little jumpy for a few days...

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chrisxls@reddit

Looking at the video, I was going to tell you your compass is broken, it shouldn't go above 359 degrees. 😉

Thanks for sharing! Wow!

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Difficult_Limit2718@reddit

I'd give it a tick on the old Beaufort indicator

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Apart_Exercise_5630@reddit

Gah. I felt every bit of that vid. Glad you are safe and sound.

Got stuck in an electrical storm off of Belize, but inside the reef. Scared shitless being the only vessel around and knowing of all the surrounding topography, my mast was the tallest and most conductive.

Crew of passengers kept coming up at all hours in the middle of the night to awe at the weather. No one noticed I fouled my foulies being the only one on watch all night.

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Coolriyzjazz@reddit

Hope you're safe. Keep us posted. Brave soul you.

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44Sleddog@reddit

Yes but now your best sailing story doesn’t have to start with …”I was sitting at the dock…..”

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Raneynickelfire@reddit

Those are large numbers.

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buffalo171@reddit

What are the numbers on the purple display?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

The wind speed

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sola_mia@reddit

Thank you for sharing this experience. And holy sheet!

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gov618@reddit

We were in that same storm this morning. Both of our mooring lines snapped there was so much force. Super scary. I’m still trying to relax.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Same here. I wanted to sail to Nassau today but was worried of another cell. And needed to get my nerves back. Can I ask where you were moored?

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gov618@reddit

Somewhere around here. I think we got the brunt of it because the swells were being pushed thru that channel. We are still out here in our catamaran - a little further north. How about you?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Oh wow yeah I bet that channel was rough. Glad you're ok. I'm still at Highborne around the corner. Once things got manageable I picked up my anchor and grabbed one of these unregulated mooring balls. I noticed the only boats that hadn't moved were the ones on them so I assume they're strong enough. I plan to sail to Nassau tomorrow as long as the radar looks good. PredictWind hasn't been reliable.

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gov618@reddit

Safe journey back!

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Expensive-Claim-7830@reddit

Oh mate! That’s some serious weather!!

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battletux@reddit

That is terrifying.

Your gonads must be large enough to use as buoyancy aids.

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cnshoe@reddit

Besides the scary storm how is the cruising going? Would love to do the same thing solo to learn more.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Overall good. Every day is a learning experience. The community has been outstanding. Everyone I meet on a sailboat has been incredibly friendly and willing to give advice or lend a hand. I think I went a little too big for solo. I would have liked a 36 instead of a 41, but needed room for working remote and solar. Glad I got a boat that's known to handle itself well.

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Candelent@reddit

You’ll grow into the 41’. My partner solo’d a 45ft across the pacific multiple times. Totally doable, once you figure things out. Also, 41’ is much better for long term cruising than a 36’.

If you haven’t already, look into the Singlehanded Sailing Society or similar groups.

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Thank you, will do!

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cnshoe@reddit

Wha boat did you get? Lots is sailing experience before you left?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

I'm in a Tartan 4100. My experience was limited. Had sailed with friends. Before I purchased I did 4 ASA classes. Then I hung around and just practiced sailing for a few months before heading out for the Bahamas.

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cnshoe@reddit

Awesome, this is exactly what I want to do. Bit land locked and cash strapped currently though. Goal for next few years. Any social media etc to follow?

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vespene_jazz@reddit

Whoa kinda crazy, we’re at Cat Island amd its just dead here. I think the storm will us (hopefully).

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vespene_jazz@reddit

Lucky us, we only got rain.

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Redfish680@reddit

The worse the experience, the better the story! Glad you made it through.

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squeaky_pika@reddit

This is how I treat my dating life

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drewander123@reddit

Wow… glad you’re ok!! With that being said…. This is awesome 😂😂 one hell of a story to tell with the video proof to back it up!!!

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Visual-Plant-4814@reddit

They’re not always possible to avoid entirely. Not a great spot to be in but glad to hear it passed relatively quickly and you didn’t suffer too much damage. Was in the Margarita resprt marina once and I was wondering why it was empty. A few days later we had a minor storm with barely 30kn but the wind came from the entrance of the channel and we were totally exposed. I thought we were going to rip all the piles and docks off and that might have been a more pleasant experience than being thrown around in a pen and not being able to leave.

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Full-Photo5829@reddit

We were anchored at Nassau and saw nothing over 30kts.

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Sea-Oven-7560@reddit

just a wee Irish mist.

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Pretend_College_8446@reddit

holy cow ... your title is exactly what I have been thinking. yikes

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primeight1@reddit

How long did it last?

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Poggus@reddit (OP)

Whole storm was maybe an hour and a half? The worst of it was 15 minutes. Kind of crazy how it got down to 35 knots and I was like phew it's over.

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