August 21, 2011
At 1500 hrs with 6-7' confused seas and motoring, our progress towards Halifax was slowed to 3 kts or less. Speed is slowed considerably when you have to climb over and down waves. As a former tugboat man, I have a tendency to "tough it out". Fortunately, we were still going in the same direction as the 37' Tayana "Auburn Angel". They had taken a more inshore route and called to see what we were thinking. Also, they indicated that they were going to seek an anchorage in Country Harbor: very sensible!. A quick look at the chart indicated that it was 17 nm away. Very quickly I decided to make for the harbor and relief from the elements. Additionally, a strong wind warning was being posted for the following day.
At 1945 hrs we dropped anchor in a charming little cove on the North side of Harbor Is: 45 deg 08.4' N; 61 deg 36.4' W The island is uninhabited and so all was quiet except for the moaning of the wind. I dropped anchor in 18' of water and put out 120' of anchor rode with 30' of chain. The recommended scope of chain/rode to water depth is 7:1. In this protected area with 25 kt winds, it was enough. If more is needed, I still have another 170' usable rode. Additionally, I have 300' of 5/16" chain. I'm using a 45 lb Manson Supreme anchor, a second generation technologically developed anchor that set immediately. Through out two nights and the following day, it held securely without giving up an inch. On this voyage, this was our first time anchoring and it went off without difficulties. In the past, Phyllis and I always anchored with our 40' Wharram Catamaran "Giniginamar".
On August 24 @ 0630 we weighed anchor and got underway @0700. The wind was still fresh out of the SW but the seas had moderated and we were able to make 4.5 kts towards Halifax. By 1525 the seas had built up to 6+ feet and confused, our speed had gone down to 2.5-3 kts, so it was time to look for another anchorage.
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