Today has been a pretty quiet day with not a whole lot of wind. I'm just slowly headed towards the horn. Yesterday was pretty much the same until the evening. Last night was a little exciting. The wind picked up to 25-30 knots with a large swell that unfortunately was on my beam. At about 2 in the morning, I was asleep down below when I woke up a little dazed, wondering how my dishes that were kept in the sink had made it all the way into my lap all the way across the cabin!
I then noticed that I was sitting on the wall, not my bed. (just goes to show you what a comfortable bed I have!) Well, my auto pilot went into standby mode and so I jumped outside and grabbed the tiller just in time to keep Wild Eyes from gybing. I got her back on course and set the auto pilot again. I walked around to check over the boat, every thing was fine, a little tossed around, but nothing broken. Because I was alseep I'm not sure exactly what happened. With the swells as they were, it could have just been a large swell that knocked Wild Eyes over.
It was funny to find in the morning when I called home and told my mom, she was more worried then me! Everything happened so fast, there was no time to be worried - just to take care of things and get back on track. That is definitely the most excitement I've had so far on my trip. It looks like the next few days could change that though if all goes according to the weather report!
Abby
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Thanks Abby.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing well.
Your crew must have been asleep, too.
Keep enjoying your sailing.
Luv
Richard (QLD) Aus ♥
Glad you're alright! That must have been quite a shock to find all the dishes in your lap . . . and then notice that you were sitting on the wall!
ReplyDeleteGlad everything was alright and you were soon able to make things ship shape.
Following you here, in your blog, and on facebook too. My thoughts are with you all the time.
be well . . . be safe . . . and have fun too!
~ Cynthia (Half Moon Bay, Calif)
Perhaps a little wake up call? (pun intended!)
ReplyDeleteStay safe Abby, and keep us posted as we'll be thinking of you.
Susan in Oregon
Hope you have a safe journey back home. Take care
ReplyDeleteDrink tea to be refreshed.
ReplyDeleteWell done Abby. You handled that extremely well. I can understand your Mum's concern my Son is much older than you and I still worry about him.
ReplyDeleteHello Abby and followers,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of the mess. Isn't it funny how we switch from normal to automatic mode I don't even know it. By the time you get this you will have all back into control, I would think it was that way before you blogged. Good work, good training once again pays off.
Sail Safe
from the Deserts of Iraq
around 34°40'20"N x 043°33'00"E
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine how your mom felt! Is there an alarm or something that alerts you when the boat is tipping like that? I was up at that same time last night, unable to sleep, and it is interesting to note that is when your ordeal was occurring. I know when an emergency occurs we go into automatic survival mode...I think we are all hoping you were tied on. You obviously knew just what to do though. Thank goodness you are safe, and we want you to stay that way as you approach these upcoming, exciting weather and water conditions. Thanks for continuing to update us. Our prayers are with you!
Kelly and Dave in Santa Clarita
Hahahhaahah! Scary and amazing. I liked your description of being disoriented.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that knock over experience with us.
I was glad that you were asleep when it happened. Also great seamanship -
grabbing the tiller and preventing the gybe at 0200 hrs. I feel that your boat’s weight and racing hull / keel design provide a high RM (Righting Moment) or AVS (Angle of Vanishing Stability). This would make Wild Eyes rather stable in heavy seas.
Abby, a while back I sent my guardian angel to look after you – and it looks like he is doing a great a job !
Mucho prayers for your safety and success.
<* ((((((>< Mariner Walt – Marina del Rey, CA
Good you didnt get hurt!
ReplyDeleteBe careful!
Keep it going (: - You are amazing, such a brave girl!
Dear Abby, it sounds like you went into instant pilot and did what you needed to do! What a way to wake up! Then there were dishes on your lap and no dishes hitting your head!!! Are you able to put everything behind closed doors or tie them down after you use them? Stay ALERT and linked. Hope you can keep sending posts at least daily until you get through the passage. I pray you get the challenges that are exciting and fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Babsy,
ReplyDeletekeep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteFrom the last photo of you a couple of days ago, you had bags under your eyes. How much sleep do you get in a row. Can you sleep 8 hours at a time? What's the longest time you slept without waking up?
Be Careful.
Captain Bill from San Diego
Hi Miss Abby,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the way Zac likes to wake you up? Maybe he is hidden is some locker? That's the trouble sailing a big boat!
Glad you went through OK and the dishes landed on your lap. It would have been too bad breaking your family's beautiful china!
And you should know, about these watrerland thugs that you call "waves": There are many of them in that area. Beware! Some do strike hard! Some are very tall!
Fair sailing and be vigilant.
I just found your blog aand know nothing about sailing, but I enjoy reading about your daily routine and adventures, like those dishes in your lap. I'm sure that's nothing special compared to what you can encounter. I hope you have a safe trip with just the right kind of excitement.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
ReplyDeleteGlad you are okay. It must of been a strange feeling when you found yourself sleeping on the wall. Nice to know neither Wild Eyes or you suffered any damage.
All the best
Joy
Ballarat
Australia.
Dearest Abby,
ReplyDeleteI am so relieved when I read your blog that you are okay and no hurt limbs or bumped head. Maybe you need a helmet on when you go to bed!
:-)
I thought at first when you said "A Knock in the Night" it was going to be a whale that had connected with your boat. I'm pleased that "Wild Eyes" is also okay and you were able to quickly and calmly get her back on track. You are so calm and collected Abby. You're a brave young lass and I admire you so much.
Keep warm and stay safe my dear. With big hugs and God Bless you heaps. Jan Pace (Auckland, New Zealand)
Hi Abby
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Sounds serious that your autopilot went to standby without warning. Perhaps your team could figure out a way to alert you when it happens? All commercial jets have a wailer to alert pilots of autopilot disengagement. Best wishes
Do you think you should stay awake around the Horn?
ReplyDeleteIs that possible?
Hi Abby
ReplyDeletethanks for the update ...I know you were tied on when you entered the cockpit ... please!!!
glade your bed is comfy ... even with the dishes ;o))
smoother seas and kinder breeze to you and W.Es
Bruce S/Sydney
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteBeen following you every step of the way and want to wish you well for what lies ahead. As a mum I can certainly see why she was worried - that's what we do when our 'babies' venture into the big wide world, or the big wide sea as in your case. Waking up like that must have given you quite a start but proves that you have what it takes to weather these challenges. I sincerely hope there aren't too many more like that even tho' we all know now Wild Eyes and YOU are more than capable.
Take care, stay alert, and keep smiling!
Jo-Anne, Geelong (Aus)
So glad that everything turned out well for you in the night. I am with your mom...that would worry me. Praying that God will hold you in his hands and keep you safe on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteHola, Abby~
ReplyDeleteI admire your steadfast nature -- so calm and level-headed! I hope it gives your family some peace of mind, knowing they can trust God and your good judgment to keep you safe.
You are a wonderful example of what it takes to achieve your goal: preparation, perseverance, confidence in your abilities -- and most of all steadfast faith.
So very proud of you! Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired, and stay safe.
Godspeed,
~Breeze
Following your adventure daily. Glad all's well after the excitement. Hope your next week to ten days goes without major excitement. Stay clipped on! Jack in Florida
ReplyDeleteAbby that has to be the calmest explanation of a knock-down I’ve ever heard. lol. It’s probably best that you were asleep and not at the helm or on deck at all. Keep Wild Eyes' keel in the water and take care. Can't wait to hear more from you. TonyF.
ReplyDeleteP S
ReplyDeleteWas it The Bloop that knocked you over?!
HA! HA !
http://www.stacilauskas.com/divinemercy.html
What are the parameters that kick the auto pilot off?
ReplyDeleteGidday Abbey
ReplyDeleteWell it looks like you may not get much sleep for a few days. I have a comfortalble bed also but I dont find myself upside down or halfway up a wall when I wake up. So I guess that could take a bit of getting used to. Wishing you a safe trip to and around the Horn.
I think you mentioned reading a book or something like that in an earlier blog as you go around the Horn. Somehow I dont see that happening if the present weather keeps up
Safe Sailing
Abby, way to go on that quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude, Abby! You're such an inspiration. Have a great day today. A few more days in the Pacific, and soon, onto the Atlantic! Stay warm and safe, and enjoy your extraordinary ride. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow I'm glad you're alright and it good to see that all the systems seem to be doing their jobs rather well and so Wild Eyes is a great boat and and you've got to put things away again..38º44"N/122º67"W
ReplyDeleteabby, as a mom and grandmom - I can completely understand how your mom must feel. Just pay attention to the details and wild eyes will take care of the rest. Will be following you along with saying some prayers...Linda (SW Missouri)
ReplyDeleteBonjour Abby & Wild Eyes,
ReplyDeleteGood title to your post!
Looks like Grey Beard was sleepy too, looking for some salad to toss and not making his mind as to what plate to use :-)
Stay warm & dry, Take care, Be safe
Glad you were able to get control of things relatively fast. Stay safe. You're in all our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby. Whew! Close call. Glad it turned out OK. We hope the weather backs off a bit going around the Horn. Good luck. Don and Doris, Landlocked Adventurers in Livonia, Michigan, USA.
ReplyDeleteAbby, We are glad you and Wild Eyes are fine after the excitement last night! Keep posting, we can't wait until you post again!
ReplyDeleteRobbie
You will always wonder about that bump in the night Abby. At least you came through it unharmed. It didn't sound pleasant but you obviously went into safety mode straight away so your instincts are keen and sharp.
ReplyDeleteThey need to be as you approach the Horn.
God bless you and keep you safe and sound.
Jeanie In The Lakes
That was some wake up call. Glad to hear everything was OK and you are to.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and Sail Straight.
Bobby, MO
Wow Abby, 2am, out of a sound sleep. That's a wake-up call! Whew.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you handled it well, good for you. Interesting isn't, how things happen, you just deal with it, and go on. Then, later you or someone starts the worrying thing. No point in worrying history, is there.. (lol)
I'm thinking you're probably right to expect some more "action" as you get to the Cape. I've always heard there's some heavy sailing down there at times. You'll do it tho. I can tell.
So, get ready, be ready, and enjoy all you can. Catch you next time.
IndyMike
39°50’N, 86°9’W
Whoa, did Wild Eyes get in someone's way? omg, u be careful... I agree w/your mom...perhaps one of your trusty advisors has an answer as to what happened...
ReplyDeleteHey, there's time for fooling around later! Get that boat back up straight and keep going! :P
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteAs I have posted on Dilip's blog, each morning, with my first cup of hot tea in hand, I read Jessica, Dilip and your blogs! What caught my eye this morning is the sentence in your blog "Everything happened so fast, there was no time to be worried". What a clear, succinct expression of how life is on Wild Eyes! Take care. Our thoughts and prayers for your safe journey are always with you!
/Shri from California
Way to react quickly to your middle of the night wake up call glad you are safe and sound. Way to keep things in perspective and stay positive.
ReplyDeleteHi Captain Abby, Glad to hear that you
ReplyDeletemade it through the event unscathed.
Your fast reaction possibly saved you
and Wild Eyes from a nasty jolt. Be
carefull with the upcoming weather
situation.
Be Safe! Be Happy! Godspeed!
Very glad to hear you are ok! Way to sping into action, Captain! :D You're family must be really proud :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Abby, that's one way to wake up! Glad you and Wild Eyes and the crew are all fine. Stay safe and have fun. Try to keep the dishes IN the sink! Praying for you daily.
ReplyDeleteKeith and Kathy Wargo, Lynchburg VA
Scarry! It brings to mind the first time I had a sleeping compartment on a train. Everytime the train jiggled a little I woke up. My first night I was awoken 42,000 times! Then next night less and eventually I was able to sleep through the night.
ReplyDeleteCAZ
Hi Abby
ReplyDeleteThat is what you call a rude awakening. Glad it was nothing too serious and you could get back on course quickly. It might be a wise idea to keep the dishes in the cupboard and not the sink now you are heading into rather wooly conditions the closer you get to the horn.
My daughter had her baby 10 days prem due to a few complications but is doing well. She had a wee baby boy 6lb 2 oz. So am a very happy Grams and will be driving over to be with her in a few days.
Well Abby you take care and keep your harness on. stay safe.
Evie from Bendigo
Glad all turned out ok. I can understand your dazed feeling if you were on the wall. Let's hope your Auto Pilot stays on.
ReplyDeleteLuv Ya Stay Safe
Blue Skies and Friendly Winds
Bud & Charla Winnett
Wheeling, Mo
Nerves of steel, it seems...
ReplyDeleteWow. I understood about half of what you just said, I'm going to have to go look some words up. What I did get is that Wild Eyes tipped over in the water while you were asleep but all is well now.
ReplyDeleteCrazy!
You are incredible.
Whoa, Abby! Glad you didn't panic and stayed calm and focused on the task at hand... Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Take good care out there and keep focusing like you are! Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
ReplyDeleteAbby, I'll bet that was a bit of a joult. Sounds like you kept a cool head and Wild Eyes was no worse for the wear. Good sailing Abby. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDan
Charlotte,NC
So glad you are safe! Take care. I so admire your gutsiness!
ReplyDeleteGlad your OK and back on track.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update.
All the best
I checked into that "Passage Weather" tool you mentioned the other day. This is the first time I've heard about it, and it seems like quite a "tool" indeed. I'm glade you have it in your "bag" of equipment. It sounds like you had quite a night last night. Happy to hear you were "up to it".
ReplyDeleteHappy sailing and May God keep with you. Norm :-)
Good Morning Captain Abby,
ReplyDeleteSleeping up on the wall...dishes tossed about? Swell... or "WILD" party aftermath?
Perhaps the crew members have something to say about what actually went on. We'll be looking for arm slings and bandages on those scalawags in your photos from here on in. I bet they are still sleeping.
Seriously ...I am sure you have never moved so fast from the cabin to the deck when you suddenly realized things were not right. Great job handling "the most excitement I've had so far on my trip" Abby.
KNOCK IN THE NIGHT...great title....you got MY attention. Stay safe.
john, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, Canada
PS Marianne...as parents our thoughts are with you everyday. Take care.
Your Mom described your adventure as a rogue wave. That's what you get for having that roguish grin on your face so often!
ReplyDeleteI can never get my teenage doughter out of bed, so now I'm considering putting a boat in her room and tipping it over before school. Apparently that works!
Still praying Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.reverbnation.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Buy "Death and Coffee" here!
Hey Captain Abbey, Amazing first knock down of the trip.You explain it so calmly . That is the way a good Captain explains clearly any troblesome experience . Your journey has begun.May the wind be behind you and always dance with the stars..Sandi on the Chesa.......
ReplyDeleteYour amazing Abby! You are like the proverbial fighter who gets knocked down then gets up with fists a blazing. Well done, Abby well done.
ReplyDeleteAs I said you are simply amazing under fire and always with amazing grace.
God Bless you and keep you safe and sound.
Cheryl
@Evie from Bendigo 6:24AM Congratulations Grandma! I hope Mom and baby are well. What's his name?
Hi Abby: Well it sounds like you had your first knock-down, and it was a 90 degree one. Thats what I like about sailboats, they can do a 180, and still wright herself. You can't say that about most powerboats. My question to you is, why did you leave dishes in the sink. Anything loose in angry seas can turn into a flying missle. I always say, "clean as you go", and on a vessel, alway stow it straight away. I know, I sound like a dad. I am one, and I use'd to say the same things to my son & daughter when they where younger.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your sailing experience kicked in right away, and after pealing yourself off the wall, you took care of business with the auto-pilot/reset. Think about this Abby, If you were topside, doing things on deck, and a wave hit you broadside, and you weren't tied-off or (clipped-off ), would you still be with us!!!!!!!. Please stay tied-off.
Woodrow Wilson from San Diego
Wishing you safe passag around the cape Abby! Following your every step from the far North (Norway). You are a true inspiration and extreamly brave!
ReplyDeleteAnita
Abby, what a calm demeanor you have, although I cannot help but feel your heart was racing a little (maybe a lot!) as you realized you were in a knockdown. Girl, dishes in the sink.... aren't you supposed to wash those and put them up after using! Not a good testament to the housework :-) I worry about you, as does your mom, family, and blogging family. You have lots of angels watching over you dear girl. Stay safe and know there are lots of prayers coming your way.
ReplyDeleteDwight in NC
Great job handling everything! You truely were meant to be on this dream of yours and I know that God is always with you too. You just keep on sailing the world and enjoy the priceless memories you and WILD EYES are making.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa from Irvine, CA.
Abby may be interested to know that on 21st March 2002, Alan Paris (original owner BTC Velocity), also experienced his first (of 4) knockdowns.
ReplyDeleteJust how incredible is that. If this entry referring to 2 am means Sunday 21st March 2010, it's the exact same date 8 years later :-)
http://www.aroundalone2002.com/log/april4.html
Needless to say and of greater importance, today's "Wild Eyes" came through each time including today, unscathed and gave her then Captain much confidence in her abilities, as I am sure today it does the same for Abby.
Just remarkable dating and timing.
I know about mysterious bruises due to a recent ski trip in the Rockies. I took risks and sometimes paid for them. You are doing the right thing to minimize your risks. Best of luck in your adventure.
ReplyDeleteCarl
Sheboygan, WI
Sailing terms defined for the novices:
ReplyDelete"swell was on my beam"......right angle to the boat.
"to keep Wild Eyes from gybing".......the boat turns through the wind which causes the boom (horizontal spar at the base of the mainsail) to swing to the opposite side.
Abby ... Glad you're OK! Good experience to go through as it will probably happen again. Now you know the old saying: "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me". Soooooooo.......dishes get stowed away safely from here on out, right? :-)
Impressed you reacted quickly to get to the tiller. What caused the auto pilot to go into stand-by? That would be a good question for an experienced sailor to answer. I picture you sleeping at night, sailing through wind and swells, and wonder how you set the sails at any given moment. I imagine you are pulled both ways with wanting more sail to keep up your speed and less sail so you won't get knocked over. Anyway, the main thing is you're fine, wiser for the experience, and onward to the Cape!
Nothing can stop you now.
This is the most understated account of a major event that I've ever read. Hopefully, it's not good preparation for other events, but the way you handled it speaks volumes for your maturity and experience, Abby.
ReplyDeleteYou continue to have my hopes and prayers for fair winds and a safe voyage.
Wil
Glad Your Ok Still.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous 9:07AM ... Thanks for the link, interesting reading. One thing he said: "So I was prepared, had a series of naps to help 'bank' some sleep," caught my attention as I've been wondering if Abby will do that before she rounds the cape. Seems like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteGreat trip Abby. I am wondering why you chose not to use a windvane on Wild Eyes? Stay safe and come back with you dreams fulfilled .
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that you got through it okay.
ReplyDeleteHere's an amplification on Roski's clarification of "gybing".
ReplyDeleteAbby does not mention which point of sail she was on when the boat was knocked down and that is an important aspect of the potential consequences of the gybe she prevented, i.e. the turn down wind (with the wind behind the boat)
Gybing a boat is common, but done properly, is always a "controlled gybe" as the boom has to swing to the other side of the boat. In a controlled gybe, the main sheet (the line that controls the main sail) is slowly pulled in, pulling the main sail in toward the center of the boat as it passes through the turn and eased out as it swings to the other side. This prevents the sail from being whipped over to the other side, potentially causing strain on the rigging and especially at the goose neck, the point where the boom is attached to the mast. If Abby was sailing close hauled, her sails would already be in close to the center line of the boat and an uncontrolled gybe, while not good, would have been much less a problem than if she has been running....with the wind behind her. With the wind behind her, the sail would have been much further out.
An uncontrolled gybe in a strong breeze from anything broader than a close reach is not something anybody wants to have happen.
BUT ALSO...Abby's boat uses a back stay system called "running back stays"; not a single steel cable running from the top of mast to stern, but a pair of cable, line and pulley configurations that can be set or eased to suit conditions.
You can see these on Abby's sea trail photos from January.
http://soloround.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html
They are the rigging that run to each quarter of the stern of the boat. Also, if you check the drawing of Wild Eye's rigging from The Boat section of the homepage, you'll see that they actually "are in the way" of the boom swinging fully from side to side. (The boom can not swing "inside" the back stay like it can on a boat rigged with the conventional single stay)
In order for Abby to perform a gybe when broad reaching or running, she has to release the up wind running back stay that HAD been tightened and tighten up the what will become the NEW up wind stay. That leaves the leeward runner slack to allow the boom to swing into position. (You can see the starboard runner lying on the deck in one of the photos.)
So....there is the set up. Now the point of all this. IF the boat experiences an accidental (uncontrolled) gybe while sailing "deep" - with the wind way behind the boat, the boom can swing into the backstay that is set and cause severe damage to the boom, back stay and/or other parts of the rigging. In an ugly, worse case scenario, an uncontrolled gybe in strong wind conditions can cause enough damage to create damage that can not be easily repaired at sea.
Abby's prevention of a gybe when Otto took his break was potentially much more significant than she let on. The degree of significance is related to her point of sail, position of the back stays at the time and the strength of the wind.
Clearly, Abby has a cool head. Brave girl. (Bit of luck there too.)
Steve in California
(Yes, I know some will now complain that this was too technical - %>) BUT, hey look at it this way, Roski now has a whole bunch of new sailing terms to look up!)
My background is in aviation and I am only a "lake sailor". Your reaction tells me that you are well trained: without much thought, you did A then B then C to correct the situation and didn't need to think too much about what to do. In short, you broke what pilots call the "chain of causality" that can lead to a more serious situation. That is the product of experience and training and it will serve you well in the future.
ReplyDeleteIn airplanes, autopilots have a "fail passive" feature and it sounds like your boat has the same. It means that, anytime autopilot parameters are exceeded, the autopilot will disconnect and not make the situation worse. In essence, the autopilot will say, "You have the airplane (boat), I can't handle this." That is good to know.
Keep doing things as you have planned and for which you have trained. Plan the flight and fly the plan, as we say.
Later...gotta run get the dirty dishes out of my sink. ;-0
Abby - I was wondering what books you are reading? Hopefully you brought a copy of "Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum, documenting his three year trip in 1895. It's wonderful. Maybe yours will be a classic one day. Take care, stay focused ...
ReplyDeleteWow, Abby, that must've been a rather rude awakening. As a non-sailor, I can't imagine having Wild Eyes laying on her side....thank goodness she righted easily, and hopefully that'll be the one and only time you have a knock down on this trip.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, you must be feeling excitement about rounding the Cape in a few weeks. I know you're up to it, and will have everything ready for the challenge!!
Clear skies,
Brian & Phillippa
Vancouver, Canada
Great job reacting to the situation - you show you have a lot of courage and are level headed. Keep up the great job you are doing!
ReplyDeleteHey Abby,
ReplyDeleteI think the world of what you are doing!!!! You are one of my heroes. You are in my thoughts as you circumnavigate the WORLD. One day I'd like to shake your hand.
jasonemryss
Abby,
ReplyDeleteThat will teach youto do your dishes before you go to bed at night ! LOL
All kidding aside...are you tied to that boat when your up on deck? Man nothing scarier then seeing your boat pull away from you.
I'm so glad I found your blog...very interesting and you are one brave girl. I love the water and I would not even attept what you are doing. Best wishes and safe journey to you !
I love reading about your journey. It is just amzing that you are doing this! And i'm sorry but i did laugh at the fact that you sleep so heavy that falling out of bed didn't wake you up. It's all that sailing - wears a girl out. So glad you are ok. you are incredibly brave
ReplyDeletei like your blog
ReplyDeleteWow,your really awesome!! I'm a huge sailor myself except the fact that I only sail at my camp in Maine on little crappy tech boats. Although I totally admire your passion for sailing, for I have that same passion. Also great that you've started a blog about your adventure, I'm stoked to start following your blog. My blog is pretty lame but I would love a follower!!
ReplyDeleteHi ABBY,Glad you got through the night safe.
ReplyDeleteABBY just remember one thing BEDS are to sleep on and walls are to hang things on so please try to stay in bed ok.
But we are so happy you are safe ad enjoy your sailing trip ok.
Take care lil one and keep us posted.
Your doing so so so good sailer.
God Bless and Keep You Safe.
Your friends from Northina
I'm glad you and Wild Eyes are okay and you were able to get her righted. Your previous experience has served you well and will in the future too. Hopefully your sailing has been smoother since this. One thing, speaking as a dad and a non-sailor, I hope before you sprang outside you took the time to tie yourself in.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and enjoy the journey!
Sounds like you had some excitement and handled it pretty well. Have you practiced with your sextant, yet? Do you have a reverse osmosis pump? Best regards from GA. BaB
ReplyDeletehey....i just started following...u seem to be having the most exciting time ever!!! do take care...my prayers and good wishes with you...godspeed..
ReplyDelete03-22-10 @ 21:25
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
Bottom line here is that you weren’t hurt, probably some bruises but it looks like nothing more serious than that. You have such a casual way of explaining this situation that it actually sounds funny. Your reactions were great, and true to form you did a quick inspection. That was a good idea to have taken a tour of the boat and checked everything the day before. There’s a good example how the unexpected ‘can’ happen.
I’m just glad to see that you weren’t injured. How did Charlie and Mr. Doggie fare??
Keep up the good work and keep a sharp eye on everything, hang in there lady, you’re doing just fine. God Bless You.
Very proud of you Abby, as I’m sure your family is to.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and may the Angels keep your sails full, and I, I will be praying for you.
Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
Hey Abby..
ReplyDeleteI'm still thinking 'bout your knock. Whew.. 2am?! Ha! Anyway, I'm looking at my chart and wondering, are you in the 50s now? ~1200 miles from the Cape?
Just keeping track.. g'night.
IndyMike
39°50’N, 86°9’W
Well done, Abs.
ReplyDelete@Steve in the State with financial woes ... On the contrary, I read your comment with fixed attention and stayed with you the whole way through. (Probably has something to do with me being on the third library book about sailing) I did not know about the two back stays, but close up photos from Abby's home page shows them clearly. It's great to pick up some new information. I can see what you mean about things could go badly wrong if there is an uncontrolled gybe. So the end result (for me) is you've given me something else to worry about. Thanks a lot. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Abby, Wow, what a scare. I hope everything goes well when you go around the cape. Thanks for the updates, I will keep you in my prayers and also your mom, I can just imagine how much she worries, that just goes with the territory. My thoughts are with you. Gail/Ventura
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteWhat a rude awakening. If you see a wave about to hit you broadside, at least you can be ready for it. But when you’re asleep when it happens, it’s pretty unnerving. Great job of taking care of things so quickly, Abby. I’m so glad that it wasn’t any worse than it was.
@Woodrow Wilson: You’re right that most powerboats aren’t capable of righting themselves like many sailboats. Years ago, I owned a commercial salmon troller that had 40’ long outrigger poles that were kept at approximately 45° angle while fishing. If I rolled enough for them to dip in the water, that was about the limit of my comfort zone.
@Tucker O’Shea: I laugh harder at my own stupid writing errors than anyone else. I just don’t take it as serious as some people whether or not a comment is grammatically perfect. I just thoroughly enjoy hearing from Abby and from all of the bloggers and don’t care if there are writing errors or not. Hey, why not give Abby our support and just have fun with it, right?
Abby, your mom worries about you because she care so much for you and that’s a good thing. I’m sure that you know how lucky you are to have such a caring family. Take care and have fun.
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Oh the ocean waves may rooooolllll.....
ReplyDeleteAnd the stormy winds may blowwwwwww
But we poor sailors go..
Where? You say? onto a walllll?
You sure do have what it takes......
Joy in adventure
I look forward to however you choose to minimize what landlubbers find frightening.
There was a telling of the gal who took 70 days to row across the Atlantic. She slept strapped while sleeping. A mom might suggest something like that.
Are you getting closer to your own idea of what the Horn might be like?
May you feel the strength of those who have you in their heart.
Hiya Abby,
ReplyDelete"A knock in the night"... now that's making some memories! A little excitement now and then is ok but just don't get too carried away!! There's a whole lot of folks who look forward to tracking your progress and reading about your adventures. Be careful, stay safe, and most of all have fun!
Capt'n Mudgie
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
@IndyMike, according to where Abby's Google Map shows her, there should be nothing Wild Eyes can't easily handle assuming she's headed into the swells, but that's a lot to assume when using an autopilot. Autopilots know where you want to go and can adjust for shifting winds, but they don't "see" the swells - at least I've never had one that good! That's the human element and why solo circumnavigating can be so tricky b/c you sometimes have to stay awake at weird hours and you often don't get the sleep you want or need! I'm sure if Abby had realized she was at right angle to the swells she would have hand-steered through the situation. If the weather is bad enough, sometimes you can't do a damn thing, but hopefully as Abby gets further south into the serious stuff, she'll be extra vigilant because even a single knockdown can do serious damage to a mast and rigging. Prevention by vigilance is Abby's number one tool as she enters the southern seas. Abby will do swimmingly!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant and fast reaction in preventing the gybe. Admiral Nelson would have given you your own ship of the line for that bit of seamanship.
ReplyDeleteJust remember to keep the lee gauge and that Boney's ships will shoot at your rigging.
Get a good night's sleep tonight.
I've never sailed around the world, or a lake for that matter. So I will just keep my EXPERT advice to myself. BUT... I will say to you, as I have on every post I've made..... "KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON" !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Abby,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are okay.That must have been so scary.
Keeping you in my prayers as always.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Clare, Spokane, Wash.
Sounds like a lot of fun, a real adventure. But that's why you're out there; isn't it? Even so, like you don't already know, stay safe; remain alert!! And have a blast!! =)
ReplyDeletePaul
Santa Clarita
Hi Abby...
ReplyDeleteThat 'knock' at 2a.m. was a 'Wake-Up Call' from King Neptune, advising you to always have ALL of your Gear properly Stowed...including the dishes in the Sink! I'm glad it wasn't your Laptop!
You should be about 210nm North of the Bloop now. Let us know when you pass over it...and LISTEN. We would like to know what You Hear!
You are doing a great job Captain Abby. We all are very proud of you.
Have a better Sleep tonight...Sweet Dreams and Happy Seas tomorrow. Enjoy your Adventure :)
Dave, Tampa, FL
OK, so here is what happened (dramatisation).
ReplyDeleteAbby OD's on Mountain House Chicken Teriyaki freeze dried dinner (not her fault; the girl has to eat occasionally!). She checks everything; it looks OK, so she nods off. In the middle of her well deserved snooze, wham, a wave or whale or something knocks over the boat. She is thrown out of bed onto the wall which has now become the floor. Everything not tied down, glued on, or bolted on goes flying! The dinner dishes hit her head. She is out cold. She has a dream that she is calmly, quietly, sailing around the world. She has stopped off at a south sea island. She is eating tropical fruit. Everything is idyllic. Then she notices the beach she is lying on is awfully hard and bumpy (she is lying on top of debris). Then she hears a really loud, annoying, squawking seagull, which turns out to be a very loud alarm. She comes around from her swoon and springs instantly into action. She races around like superwoman (which she is), puts the boat to rights, secures and stowes everything, checks the weather, the boat, the outside conditions, wind, speed and direction, and then suddenly looks around and says, "Golly gee! I'm not on a tropical island after all!"
I guess we'll never know the truth.
BTW, what is gybing?
You are a very accomplished, determined, and impressive young woman! I wish you fair wind and weather Abby! And much good luck for the rest of the journey!!!
Old Queensland Girl
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteHave a safe journey!
That was a bit of anexperience alright ! Good to hear that you coped so well under pressure, bodes well for the rest of the trip.
ReplyDeleteWow!...Scary and exciting...and in the middle of the night!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the play by play. Stay safe!!
Marsha, FL
This is the very reason why I have been asking for a LIVE cam topside on your boat wild eyes. If one had been on there it would have been recorded
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you safe Abby. Maybe it was a whale that was curious about your boat and it pushed you around...is that possible?
Mike from Indiana
That must have been very fun.. :)
ReplyDeleteThink you have had rough times, as anyone will have, but you got through it... So far!!
love Libbie xx
My prayers are for you abby!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a brave person...definitely a role model...
There's still quite a way in your adventure, but we'll all be keeping you company - in this blog, in our prayers...
God Bless Abby...
Very excited for you Abby as you approach a big milestone on your adventure. It's so impressive to me that you know how to fix and maintain everything on Wild Eyes. You are an amazing person. God speed and God bless.
ReplyDeleteJoe
Good luck Abby at the Horn. U r doing great!
ReplyDeleteCapt'n Kelly (Sydney)
Abby I have done some crusing my self not around cape horn but Cal Coast and Sea of Cortez. I have not seen you mention anything about your sails. How do you tend to your sails from below deck?
ReplyDelete