Hurricane Time
Plan B
One of the challenges to cruising is having a plan, and an
alternate plan… and another alternate plan. Uncooperative weather and water
conditions come in many sizes, shapes, and forms. Wind, waves, fog, currents, tides,
sunrise, and sunset all factor into when and how you get from point A to point
B. Thankfully, cell phone/IPad, and GPS-based technology provides much more
information to mariners through NOAA and other websites/apps. Based on
information available, we chose New Bedford, MA to wait out the latest
hurricane.
Hurricane Jose
Hurricane prep
As described in the previous blog, we arrived in New Bedford
on Sunday and secured a heavy-duty mooring buoy to wait out Hurricane Jose. Instead
of the standard mooring line, we used our heavy-duty anchor bridle that includes
a metal to metal loop and shackle increasing strength and reducing line chaffing. Our dinghy is secured on top of the aft deck and so far, nothing on the boat
has blown away. We cover up any openings that might allow water to enter the
boat. We watch other boaters securing their sails and equipment. Fishing boats
are docked two and three deep, hunkered down for the duration. We keep an eye
on other boats moored around us including a cluster of very large barges
anchored directly in front of us.
Exterior side vents on stack are covered
Hurricane… watch, wait, and hang-on
Stormy weather conditions begin on Tuesday and deteriorate
through the week. Wind speed averages increase by the day: Tuesday – 20-25
knots; Wednesday – 30-40 knots, Thursday – 40+ knots. The highest wind we see on
Thursday night registers 62 knots. Friday continues with 35-45 knots. The power
of the storm is evident as gusts cause Bravo to lean and swing on the mooring
line. Heavy rain blows sideways. Low grey clouded skies continue day after day. The dull roar of the wind is constant and you try to remember what a sunny
blue-sky day looks like. It feels like a really severe Northwest winter storm. We check NOAA reports and updates several times a day. Jose is decreasing in
strength but is stalled offshore, south of the Massachusetts coast effectively
blocking our departure, and any chance to get off the boat until the storm
wears itself out.
The only boats that move around the harbor are the ferry,
the harbormaster, and a tug boat, Ranger,
that slowly patrols the commercial docks off of our port side.
Just when you think the worst is over…
On Friday night, as Jose is decreasing, another disaster
hits. Sitting in the main salon, we notice an electrical-burning smell. Open
the engine room door and it is filled with smoke. Head for the cockpit and open
the lazarette hatch. Rain water from the storm has forced its way into the
boat, dripped on the inverter (converts DC to AC electrical power) and shorted it
out! Melted wires to several critical electrical components effectively shutting
down any systems requiring electricity... refrigeration, water pumps (toilets!),
electrical outlets to charge cell phones, etc.
After several phone calls to our “patron saint” (aka James Knight)
he walks Karl through procedures to set-up up a temporary patch. They determine
the inverter is “toast”, make a plan to ship a replacement from Everett,
Washington to the West Marine store in New Bedford, and find a marine
electrician to do the installation… Oh yea, it is about 9:00 PM on a Friday
night and the storm still blowing 35-45 knots.
This is the inverter bypass switch, which also got toasted!
On Saturday morning, we make several phone calls trying to
locate a marine electrician. Initially, no luck. However, Pope’s Island Marina staff
come through again with a name and a phone number… Phil Derrick. We give him a
call and he is on Bravo within three hours, talking on the phone to James, improving
the temporary bypass until the new inverter can be installed. Anticipated
arrival of necessary parts, Tuesday afternoon. Projected installation, Wednesday.
Exploring New Bedford and Fairhaven – Part 2
Sunday morning and the weather is clearing. With time on our
hands, we load the folding bikes into the dinghy and set off to further explore
the area. The shore of the bay encompasses two towns, New Bedford on the west
bank, and Fairhaven on the east side. Previous forays have been into the commercial
side of downtown New Bedford. We decide to explore the east side.
Fairhaven is filled with tree-lined residential streets and
old New England style homes. Ornate churches, schools, and municipal buildings
constructed during the whaling heydays are interspersed with the old houses. One of the main streets dead ends at a waterfront park and a fort dating back
to the revolution. We pick-up fresh fruit and veggies at the local farmer’s
market on the grounds of the ornate Fairhaven High School. From reading the
informational brochures provided by Pope’s Marina, we learn that Fairhaven was
the home to President FDR’s grandparents and the first Japanese person living
in the United States.
We dinghy past Crow Island. Once housing a powerful radio
station, it is now home to an eccentric recluse. The island is filled with unique
and unusual sculptures. ...And people thought Karl collected weird stuff!!??
Nearly the entire shoreline is filled with commercial
fishing boats. Many are elaborately painted in colors that identify their
company affiliation. The scallop boats have strange and ominous apparatus dangling
off the back of the boat.
Scallop boat
Continuing to the south end of the bay we tie up the dinghy and
hike out to Palmers Island lighthouse, accessible only during low tide. A
further hike along the hurricane barrier provides a close-up look at gates and
systems that protect the towns against storm surge.
Moving on
Tuesday afternoon and the new inverter arrives as promised. Phil picks up the parts, begins the repairs, and they continue all day
Wednesday. By evening, all systems are “Go”. Thanks-a-million to Phil, James,
West Marine, Pope’s Marina, and Magnum Inverter Systems! Thursday is clean-up
and prep to move south and east. Fill water and fuel tanks and say good-by to
New Bedford.
New Inverter and Inverter Bypass
Whew, glad it all worked out. Happy sailing southward!
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