Posted on 02/10/2018 7:58:49 PM PST by Innovative
A Colorado couple said they sold everything they owned to buy a sailboat and set out for the open seas together.
Within two days, their dream became a nautical nightmare. On their way to Key West, Tanner Broadwell and Nikki Walsh's voyage abruptly ended in John’s Pass off Madeira Beach, Fla., when their 28-foot sailboat struck something underwater Wednesday night.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
The sea is a harsh mistress. At least they were not in a Cessna, then these noobs would be dead. Down at sea level, you just have to keep your nose above water level until help arrives.
I navigated that same area, back in 2005. The channel cut is narrow, going into John’s Pass. You need an up to date, GPS and a good sonar. There is shoaling and only 4-5’ of water just outside of the channel. You can’t run a straight course from Tarpon Springs to John’s Pass. You have to go outside and then a turn to port to enter John’s Pass. Because you can see the bridge, doesn’t mean that you can navigate straight to it. You have to follow the navigational aids.
Speaking of Tarpon Springs, wasn’t impressed with the City Marina.
Liberals counting on the generosity of brown people to take them in as honored guests at every port call.
I don’t have much sympathy. The Vikings figures this stuff out a thousand years ago, and sailed across the Atlantic and to the Black Sea.
It’s not rocket science, keeping a boat afloat and off the rocks.
2 minute video on a modern recreation of a Viking longship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bTkmG5b-VQ
Yeah. I tried to catch the just of the thread with people citing different sea states with the speed check analogy which I tried to summarize.
Besides the fact that a 28’ boat is barely big enough for 2 people to live one and iffy on being sea worthy in heavy weather.
Had to jibe the jenny (only) - narrow channel. Stuck at helm using full body weight and muscles for control. Mainsheet fully eased - out of reach; stopper knot at seahood-mounted block. Three knives within reach - useless. P.S. Unless you’ve sailed the inland seas in heavy weather, it’s difficult to describe the terror of 10’ seas with wavelengths of 30-40’. Still smile to myself for having survived it - minus the 150. (But that’s another story.)
These two simpletons have no perspective: God may have done them the biggest favor of their lives by STOPPING THEM in shallow water before they lost MORE than everything they owned.
Sergeantdave’s Rule No. 10 for a healthy and long life:
Stay off water where things live that can eat you in one bite.
From the link, the photo of the couple looks suspect. She looks 20 years old tops, he looks 45. More like Father and Daughter.
“Low tide.”.......
You suggesting the ocean depth or the couples sailing knowledge?
Thank you for sharing that.
To which they replied... "But, we had this free map of Florida that we got from the tourism website..."
Exactly. A lot of stuff out there is just beyond your control. You just have to pray you can react appropriately fast enough.
You forgot to include “the sun’s over the yardarm, marry the gunner’s daughter, and blow the man down” in your arrrrrggghhh-got.
Shiver me timbers ...
Amen to that!
$5000 here, $5000 there. Its just crumbs
They purchased the boat for $5K. If it’s a 50 year old wooden boat, that’s probably the scrap value for the lead in the keel. The bottom is probably rotted and the keel tore loose when they ran aground.
“The sea was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup at the deli.”
I feel sorry for these folks.
It doesn't always turn out like this. Read Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi.
ML/NJ
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