Andrew arrived at Calatta Lennox, an anchorage on the East side of Isla Lennox at 10 to 3 his time (10 to 7 GMT).
He said, bizarrely as he was coming into the lee of the island, the wind dropped completely away. Having battled against gale force 8, 9 and almost 10 with spin-drift just lifting of the sea, no wind was almost laughable. The cockpit of Elsi had filled with water many times during the 36 hour stint back to the Beagle Channel.
Andrew is now anchored out of the gales, hopefully avoiding a severe Westerly which is building up and will be in force by midnight tonight. He knew he couldn’t stay West of the Horn and so the most seaman-like decision was the one he made, to anchor at Isla Lennox.
As we were speaking on the phone, the Coastguard were on the VHF radio wanting to know his onward route; I could hear Andrew saying, “Cape Horn, The Pacific, Torres Straights, Indian Ocean, Cape of Good Hope, Atlantic, Falmouth!” Simple and quick to say……
By Ann Prior Sun Feb 9th 2014 at 9:50 pm
Ken Passfield, who sails around the Falklands and South Georgia a fair bit in a Tahitiana like Elsi, ( is in S G at present)reckons the wind in those parts is lighter and more variable March-May and that’s when Easterlies are commonest. Hope he doesn’t object to being quoted! So in fact Elsi might be a bit early.
By David Mon Feb 10th 2014 at 1:05 am
Have a good kiep tonight , frosties and fresh milk tomorrow for breakfast,then go again!!
Don’t forget the anchor when you leave ! Weather looks better next few days. You’ll soon be in the trades without your shirt on!
By Les & Julie Mon Feb 10th 2014 at 2:39 pm
Sorry to hear that you have had to retreat a little Andrew to anchor at Isla Lennox for shelter,hope these big gales from the west blow themselves out soon and you are able to get going safely out in the Pacific again.
We will be thinking of you down there,stay safe Andrew.
Les and Julie.
By Hamish Fraser Mon Feb 10th 2014 at 6:43 pm
I sent you an e-mal but it did not go through
Hamish Fraser
By Chris Roche Mon Feb 10th 2014 at 11:23 pm
Hi Andrew
The action you have taken may be a little unconventional. It was on Danmark`s mast I once saw the following on a little plate `Oh Lord how large is thy ocean and how small my boat’ I hope for fair winds to carry you on as soon as posible, whatever you do don`t set foot on land will you.
Chris