Cyclone Rachel has passed; peak winds of 80 knots.
90m of 14mm chain + 55kg Rocna anchor.
We made it through, despite the tidal current setting us beam-on to the wind, which caused the boat to heel over significantly.
First came a thick layer of desert dust and sand, accompanied by opaque clouds;
it still managed to get well inside the boat, even with all the hatches closed.
It only lasted four hours—from 18:00 to 22:00.
Then a windless lull from 22:00 to midnight—just enough time to grab a bite and fall asleep.
A solid SW wind (15–45 knots) with a bit of rain to help rinse things off followed from 01:00 to 04:00.
Now we just have to wait for the heavy swell to subside before heading south again—hoping this was the last one of the season.
“It’s more peaceful being offshore, even in the Denmark Strait,” says Fred—though Frédo has his doubts!
