Since June I have been on edge regarding a named storm brewing in the Atlantic. I never thought my boat would still be in FL come hurricane season but alas it was. I loaded on BBC Mont Blonc on the 26th of August. As I watched the vessel clear the Panama Canal I felt relieved and was happy to know the boat was on the Pacific Side and headed this way. I noticed a few days ago that a few systems were developing in the Atlantic and Pacific. I began tracking Tropical Storm Kay yesterday and overlaying the AIS data for the ship onto my Windy app. Feeling a little nervous right now. I felt like we secured the boat well and took the approach of assume the worst and hope for the best which appears the former may come into play. Going to be an uneasy 10 days as I await arrival to Victoria for offload. I purchased a time lapse camera by Brinnon to try and capture footage of the trip. I set it to take a photo every 3 minutes which hopefully if my calculations are correct will last until offload. Fresh batteries and a high capacity micro SD mounted on the hardtop in a weatherproof case. Appears that may also get tested.
It really depends on captain. Some will reroute if heavy weather approaches and avoid waves over the deck some will not. Couple custom sportfish were destroyed last year coming back from pacific, captain didn't reroute. Large waves breaking across freighter deck tried to rip the boats from their lashes. Ripped transom off one and pushed running gear thru hull. Others smashed into each other like bumper boats.
I should have said it's very rare for this to happen. Not trying to scare you. The sportfish community was a buzz when it happened. Could wash and you'll be ready to fush.
That lil storm is moving up the coast, out running your transport ship and deteriorating. No worries.
All good. I was aware of the risks going in and I was able to board the ship as they were welding and lashing boats down. They did a good job. I prepared best I could for the voyage and felt good about how I left the vessel. Even got starboard side which should be the side to be on given the route and land always being to the stbd side.
I wish that were the case. Ship was doing 13 to 14 knots entire trip. I stepped off the 330nm per day and looked at storm track and knew something had to give as they couldn't go around it. Slowed to 10 knots as of this morning and as I type this doing just 8 knots on AIS. Looks like they are in a washing machine as well of 30 knot winds and swell coming from Port stern qtr and also Port bow.
Offloaded the Cabo yesterday and made the 115nm run home last night. Only hurricane damage to boat was center panel of canvas blew out and was in several pieces on bridge. I removed all the canvas when I got there and threw into dumpster today. Aside from a salt bath the only other notable issue was marks from the straps where they exit the cleats. Marred the new paint a bit. Will try and use compound to remove but may need to have to do a few small touch ups. Not their fault just part of the deal when shipping ans securing 50k lbs. Interior was perfect and not a single item moved. Engines ran great and 29.5 knots is a nice cruise. Contrary to what you here you can cruise around these parts above hull speed. Just pay attention for drift.