[Rhodes22-list] Sailing To The Bahamas In The Hurricane Season

[Roger Pihlaja]

Richard,

I don't know what your sailing background is, but hear me.  Never, ever put
my name to your personal opinion again, is that clear?

I don't care if you do have a degree in Metrology.  I'll stack my own
education & personal experience in sailing & dealing with weather up against
it any day.  Don't you pay any attention to the Weather Channel?  When was
the last time there was any sort of tropical storm in the southern Atlantic
that wasn't tracked from the moment of its creation right thru to its last
gasp?  There is sufficient information readily available to anyone who pays
even minimal attention to keep a running log on every storm's current
position, strength, & predicted track.

Sailing vessels make hundreds of voyages throughout the Caribbean during
hurricane season.  The sailing season does not simply shut down.  No, it's
idiot proof.  But, I said up front that this trip was not something a
beginner should attempt.  I stand by my opinion re sailing in the Caribbean
during the hurricane season & I frankly resent attempts by so called
"experts", such as yourself, to make life so safe & so idiot proof that you
can't possibly screw up.  Kindly mind your own business or at least stay out
of mine!  If I get caught out in bad weather then I'll deal with it & if I
die trying then at least I died doing something I love doing.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium


----- Original Message -----
From: "Christine Allison" <sailnut@asan.com>
To: <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2002 4:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Sailing To The Bahamas In The Hurricane Season


>
>
> > You know, I don't like blanket statements like that.  If one goes by
that
> > warning, then about 1/3 of the year is off limits.>
>
> As a matter of fact that statement is 100% correct.
>
> I have a degree in metrology and I can speak with some authority on the
> subject of weather prognostication.
>
> At this time of year a tropical depression can develop anywhere south of
> Savannah with amazing speed. Believe me, even a small tropical depression
> would put a Rhodes in a very dangerous situation.   Yes we have satellite
> observations and numerical models that are amazingly accurate. But, the
> number of variables and the chance factors in play are so great that it
will
> NEVER be possible to predict the weather with 100% accuracy.   To risk it
in
> a costal cruising boat like the Rhodes with a blue water passage in
> dangerous waters in the hurricane season is pushing the envelop a bit to
> much for my taste..
>
> The Gulf Stream is a notoriously dangerous place for any small boat.
> Personally I would avoid chancing it.
>
> Obviously your mileage will vary.
>
> Richard Smith
>
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