Hurricanes are the price we pay for all our Caribbean Sunshine, but sunshine is no consolation to anyone sitting in the path of an approaching cyclone. Experiencing such weather on land is bad enough. Facing the same while at anchor is worse. Going through a hurricane while at sea doesn’t event bear thinking about. Yet, when we experience a hurricane in St. Maarten, usually all three scenarios play out. I’ve been to a remembrance service for sailors who thought they could outrun a hurricane. When hurricane Luis devastated St. Maarten in 1995, people came out the other side knowing what they did right and what they did wrong. Some 1200 boats were sunk or tossed ashore during Luis; it was a sight to see. Most of the sailors who went through Luis have left the islands, and few people remember how it was. This has taken us back to 1995. Now I hear sailors talk about how they once anchored in 60 knots of wind and they aint scared of no storm! They’re the ones who leave their roller furling headsails attached, kick out two anchors on string, and parade around the bars with a rum bottle in one hand and their boat insurance policy in the other. God bless them. Here’s a few links that might help you track the storms: http://www.weathercarib.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane
http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=29
1 comment:
Dear Ocean Media...foolish talk for any sailor to say they ain't scared of no storm. These things bight and when you realise it's too much, it's too late. Never experienced a hurricane but have been out in a tropical storm, an experience I hope never to have to repeat. Wish you all well for a storm free season.
@racesail
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