Plummeting Gulls Gale

Pupa Yat Anchorage, Marmaris, Turkey

I’ve decided to name this gale after the giant gulls that seem to be the only ones really enjoying themselves at this very moment.  The pilot notes that historically, a number of “regular” gales are named after birds.  So here they are swooping and soaring in gusts anywhere between 20-40 kts.   Others, gathered over an exposed sandbank, seem to be leaping and hopping in a mad crowd wave, all rather pleased with themselves.  It could be gale choreographed hi-jinks.

We, on the other hand, are happy daylight offers visibility – a necessity when anchors are dragging, boat dinghies flipping and tempers flaring.   We’re also grateful that our little discussion with the excitable Italians late last night (at 9pm) gave the Cap’n the sh*ts, providing him with incentive to move closer to shore.  Those six gulets currently hogging the shoreline (med moored) have hardly moved; WJ3 has fared only slightly worse whilst those further out in the anchorage are really copping it. 

The Cap’n is reporting in with his truth seeking binoculars on general activities and we’ve even snooped on a VHF radio call or two.  Who needs TV?  This is only our third day out and so far we’re grateful that WJ3’s basics are holding up ok.  Big Bertha (our Rochna anchor) is again being a dream girl while we spin and whirl to the tune of those nasty gusts.  Our decks are covered in fine red sand; a sure sign that Africa’s sand dunes march irrevocably toward Europe.  Meanwhile, the Italians are still giving us clandestine glances....

Waiting, waiting... for the gale to end

 From: Marmaris, Turkey Lat/Long: 36:49.173N 28:18.475E Date/Time: 2/06/14: 1600
To: Marmaris, Turkey Lat/Long: 36:49.555N 28:18.899E Date/Time: 3/06/14: 2100
Time Taken: 0.5nm (hrs) Distance (this year): 0.5nm (hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 13333.5nm   Weather: Unsettled;
Fastest Speed: under motor (sails released from their bags for the season & put up out on the anchorage)

And now for some Launch Photos:

Our "backyard" views.  The Cap'n is off to find our splash time.

Firstly, we're given a dink

Then, it's the BIG lift again