Shorebased Yachtmaster

While we were being battered by the storms, while our sisters and brothers were being deluged and washed away in Cumbria, the Yachtmaster class were doing shorebased training.


Land based teaching, training and examining of the aspirant yachtmasters, takes place in the Hamble at the School.

A tour of Peel Harbour over the weekend confirmed the terrible sea conditions. All the fishing boats were safely moored in the harbour - out of harms way.

Those who are living through terrible times in Cumbria are in my prayers, so too are those who work on the sea:

Here's a Sailor's Psalm:

Others went out to sea in ships
and did their business on the great oceans.
They saw what the Lord could do,
the miracles he did in the deep oceans.
He spoke, and a storm came up,
which blew up high waves.
The ships were tossed as high as the sky
and fell low to the depths.
The storm was so bad that they lost their courage.
They stumbled and fell like people who were drunk
They did not know what to do.
In their misery they cried out to the Lord,
and he saved them from their troubles.
He stilled the storm
and calmed the waves.
Then were they glad because of the calm,
and God guided them to the harbour they wanted.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love
and the miracles he does for people.
from Psalm 107

Life's journey will always be through storms, as well as calm. Sometimes we can avoid distressing storms, as the fishing boats have done throughout the last week here on the island. There will be times when the only thing to do is to hove to, metaphorically or literally, and face out the tossing of the storm, knowing that we're never without hope.

A Prayer ~
Rescue us, Lord
from the storms.
Still our fears,
calm our minds
and bring us
safely into harbour.
Amen

These charts, pictured, were my father's - in the bottom left hand corner is written:
Based upon British Admiralty Charts, with permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office, and the Hydrographer of the Navy Apl. 1954 - 424. Corrected to 1955.

Weekend Achievements I

While the boys were growing up I always wanted a car with 7 seats. Today we have one!

Having six adults to ferry around this weekend it was extremely useful. We all managed to pile into the car and do a bit of sightseeing. Here are Susan and Ruth looking quite happy - though they did comment they could only see where we had been. Friday the weather was sunny so Terry and Susan had a quick nip up to St John's and then we had a lovely tea in Harbour Lights in Peel. There really is nothing like a good cuppa! Ruth and Mally arrived on the last Gatwick flight and we had late supper.

Saturday saw the Bride and Groom going to the Jewellers to size up for their wedding rings. Meanwhile the oldies had a look at Laxey Wheel in torrential rain before abandoning the island tour. We then all piled back into the car and took a trip to the Calf instead. The storm ensured the sea was choppy and only a few souls braved the inclement weather, amidst the spume and flying seaweed, to view the local seals. We discovered we had severe 'window measles' on our return.

Wizzy took our visitors out for many walks. They are seen discussing the geography of the Island in relation to the the mainland. It really is good to spend time with our extending family.

Victor Meldrew Moments III

I don't believe it.

The new window put in place just weeks' ago has water streaming down the walls on either side. The storm has not abated at any point of the day.

Visitors who ventured out into the inclement weather could only come in through the back door as the road was closed. Michelle and Julie came to help tidy up, in readiness for the arrival of almost in-laws and the Bride and Groom. The girls were closely followed by Chris and Colin who proceeded to pull up floorboards to find out where the water is getting in. We have a fresh layer of dust tonight. Really need to practise patience.

Celebrating Ally's b'day with a glass of wine and cup of tea!

Window Measles

Yet another storm ... well it IS autumn.

The tides are interesting! We are coming off springs. These are the highest tidal ranges in the cycle. Over the last few days we have taken a pounding. This can last about an hour or so either side of high tide. Each crashing wave shaking the house and creating havoc on the road. It makes quite a lively time and Wizzy wants to nuzzle under the covers in the night! Here she is hiding under a table and dustsheet!

High tide plus high winds, increases the likelihood of flying debris, and seaweed gets everywhere. You can see the 'window measles' here. If seaweed manages to dry it sticks like limpets even to vertical surfaces. We have to hope the rain falls shortly after or measles can last for days.

A friend came to visit today as just as high tide was reached. Very bravely she used the front door and managed to dodge the spray and debris. (We use the back entrance at lively high tides.) For quite a long time we stood at the window and surveyed the crashing waves, flying debris and sloshing water that filled the road and blocked the drains.

There is something reassuring watching all the elemental activity from the comfort of our living room.

During storms, either in nature or in lives, we need to find shelter. Just like Wizzy we all need our refuges.

Night Noises

The eerie silence ended with driving rain late yesterday evening.

Sometime during the night, I was awoken by pounding on the roof. The flat roof acts as a skin of a drum, and we live inside. The wheely bins outside were being blown around adding to the noise. Wizzy was restlessly moving about trying to find a place of safety. When the lightning flashed hailing the electric storm, she was instantly on the bed nosing her way under covers. There she stayed, trembling.

It's curious that, if we are awake in the utter darkness of night, with our eyes tightly shut, the flash of lightning penetrates all.

There are times in our lives when we experience fear. In those moments we seek comfort and assurance. Like children, like all of us, our pets need reassurance.

The Evening Collect:

Lighten our darkness,
Lord, we pray,
and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils
and dangers of this night;
for the love of you only Son,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

These words resonate, not just at night but, especially in fearful times. Take courage and rest assured that darkness is pierced by the Light.

Ahead of the Storm

One look at the Shipping Forecast on the web and you know we are in the calm before the storm. Out this morning there is almost an eerie silence despite the hustle and bustle of the little town. I have posted the warning for Irish Sea, the forecast for the south coast, has possiblity of violent storm 11:

Gale warnings - Issued: 1001 Fri 13 Nov
Southerly storm force 10 expected soon

Shipping Forecast - Issued: 1130 Fri 13 Nov
Wind: South 6 to 8, becoming cyclonic gale 8 to storm 10, becoming west 6 to gale 8 later.
Sea State: Rough or very rough, occasionally moderate.
Weather: Rain or squally showers.
Visibility: Moderate or good occasionally poor.

As a consequence of the forecast Inspiration of Boss and her crew have made their way, very early this morning ahead of the weather, to their home port safely.

Here Wizzy is having an early walk, and we await the arrival of more moisture across the floorboards under the window.

A prayer for those who have to be on the high seas from Mission to Seafarers website:

Creator and Father of all,
we pray for those who go down to the sea in ships
and serve you upon the waters of the world.
Be with them in fair weather and foul,
in danger or distress.
Strengthen them when they are weary
and comfort them when they are far from their loved ones;
that they may put their whole trust in you
and find in you a strong anchor for their peace.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

http://www.missiontoseafarers.org/

Yachtmaster in Progress

Another attempt has been made today to make a bolt for Alderney. Not sure of the timings, but this time Inspiration of Boss cleared the Needles, and was about 3 hours out. It was now blowing 8-9 and gusting 45 knots. In the conditions a decision to heave to was taken and at this point the grabrail on the coach roof was under water.

Rather than plough on when some were unwell in difficult conditions they returned to safety in Swanage, and tonight they are in Poole.

Swanage has a place in our family history. During the war my mother, Norma, went there with some of her family. While on the playing on the beach they saw a Luftwaffe plane coming towards them. They huddled under the sea wall, and Mum's brother Rodney, aged about 10, lent over the females to protect them. Later they returned to the haberdashers shop for more provisions, and found it had received a direct hit.