Close call!!!!

I was sitting in the internet café yesterday when I noticed strong winds blowing through a tree outside.

I immediately packed up my computer and headed for the boat, it was blowing 40- 50 when I got there. The chop had picked up and there was a sailboat 8 feet off my bow and dragging down on Namaste.

I immediately let out another 100’ of anchor line and got away. Within 2 minutes the other boat was crossing over my line as the wind was shifting to the north, close call.

I called Club Nautico on the radio and learned that the owners were sitting on a friend’s boat watching the situation from the club and having cocktails.

I guess I have to vent a bit today as I’m still really ticked off. As cruisers we have a responsibility to look after our boats, and anchor properly. If it’s blowing hard “YOU SHOULD BE ON YOUR BOAT”!!!!!!!, especially if you just dropped the hook the night before.

I know people who didn’t know how to sail when they went cruising and are some of the best sailors I know; they just bought the boat, split, and learned how to sail on the way. I also know cruisers who have been cruising for over 10 years and don’t have a lick of common sense.

Many people ask me “Do you think I have enough sailing experience to go cruising”? More importantly you should be asking yourself if you have enough common sense. Sailing is not rocket science; however a boat is no place for stupidity. People do get hurt and even die. This also brings me to the piracy topic. All of my friends who have had encounters with pirates have done stupid things. I even know one guy who actually had a party and invited all the local workers from the yard and bragged about how much money and electronics he had the night before he left, bad practice!

Anyway, I’m venting. The anchorage here is really crowded and the holding ground is really bad. I’m really looking forward to the San Blas in a week or so.

If anyone has SKYPE, and wants to chat while I still have access to the internet my user name is Projectbluesphere.

Cheers everyone.

Peace, Love, and good holding grounds.

– Alex