An interesting evening

Earlier this week, we had a real eventful night -

The setting: We had anchored in a very crowded (but beautiful) anchorage. Because of the large number of boats anchored close together, everyone had short anchor rodes (lines and chains to their anchors) – too short to hold well in strong winds, but short enough to prevent the boats from swinging into each other – we had 50 feet of chain, 10-15 feet of line, and a kellet. [Significant Lesson Learned: Avoid crowded anchorages and ALWAYS set enough scope. ALWAYS.] In the evening, we had a great time reconnecting with our new friends for conversation and beer, on their s/v-Iroquois (Debi & Jack), who we had met a week or two ago in Meldrum Bay.

The storm:  Strong winds hit about midnight, from a different direction, causing us to drag anchor.

The problems: 1) we were drifting into another boat; 2) it was too dark to see which boats were where; 3) we had to get our anchor up, then get out of there.

The midnight cruise: We motored through the fleet, in the dark, trying to find a safe place to reset our anchor (not to mention the difficulty of pulling the anchor up in the dark while motoring.)  We were locating boats with flashlights, and shoreline with the chartplotter.  In strong winds. Not fun.

The good news: We did not hit another boat. No damage. Nobody hurt.

Anchoring, take two: We found the best place we could where we thought we could reset the anchor without swinging into any other boats.  But it was pretty close to a rocky shore – couldn't tell how far away it was due to the dark – probably 20 to 60 feet but who knows? We put the anchor in, and stayed on anchor watch all night – impossible to tell how well it was set, exactly where we were, or who or what we might hit.  Had the diesel motor ready to start, fast, if we needed it. (We didn't.)

Morning:  Very tired. Up all night.

Decision:  In the daylight, get out of there and into a different anchorage which would not be crowded, would be safe from the strong winds, and where we could anchor securely and safely.  We motored a few miles to Croker Island – set TWO anchors with incredibly long scopes and, pointed into the wind, tied TWO stern lines to shore.  Then we slept most of the day and the next night.

Meanwhile: Since our VHF radio didn't work too well, we had trouble contacting the rest of the fleet.  But we did and let them know where we were and that we were okay.

Epilog: Bought two more flashlights and another spotlight. Swore never to anchor again without enough anchor rode, regardless of what other boats were doing or saying. Got our antenna fixed (finally!).  And, since then, have had safe anchorages and wonderful sailing.

Good learning experience. You will be happy to know that we did everything right in acting through this adventure (except, of course, for the initial anchoring location and setting the anchor).

Important take-away: ALWAYS have your anchor light(s) on in all anchorages, even if you are well away from any expected traffic and are in designated anchorages – another boat might have to motor through the anchorage in the dark and/or in a storm, and needs to know where you are.

Stuff happens. Oh, well …