Sea Survival: How to Battle a Storm on the Isles of Scilly

In this gripping episode, we share our intense preparations for an impending storm on the Isles of Scilly. Join us for a real-time and partially technical account of the harrowing experience that unfolds when the center of a depression passes overhead. Brace yourself as we take you through the heart of the storm.
Safely moored on a buoy in the serene New Grimsby Sound, we thought we were prepared for whatever nature had in store. However, when the storm force winds hit us from the southeast, we quickly realized the true power of the elements. Witness the turbulent chaos as the wind howls and the waves crash around us.
As the storm reaches its peak, a brief moment of calm settles in, creating an eerie stillness. But within minutes, everything changes. The wind abruptly shifts direction by 180 degrees, and we find ourselves at the mercy of a full-blown assault from the northwest. We were fortunate to have weathered the storm without major incident, but sadly, others were not as lucky. Several yachts in the area dragged their anchors, while one vessel tragically ran aground in St. Helen's Pool. Thankfully, there were no lives lost, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature.
Join us on this gripping journey as we recount our survival through the storm, sharing the highs and lows of our experience. Witness the raw power of the ocean and the strength of human resilience. Through it all, we are reminded of the importance of preparedness, respect for the elements, and the fragility of life at sea.
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[@ooweesaler]

That was interesting. Rather you than me. I think I would also have passed a line through the riser chain (under the bouy) rather than just on the top of the bouy. Also some fenders out not sure if that would be a good idea? I was thinking providing some protection from drifting boats.

[@sailingpolaris]

Thanks, and thanks for your input with the raiser chain - this had not occurred to us.
Fenders: My humble thought is that this is just another thing banging and risking of becoming lose. And chances are that they aren‘t in the right place where they are needed.

[@sonjadeweerdt5800]

What a fascinating video! Especially from my safe home! I appreciate the precise way you reported the way the wind and barometer behaved according to plan. Watching your boat I saw a boat beind you coming rather close, that was scary. I encountered something like this on the west coast of Ireland long time ago. Winds were force 8 to 9. We were anchored in one of the lochs there with a not very good anchorground. We survived but with a lot of damage. So this brought back memories.

[@sailingpolaris]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. I saw this coming and thought this would be a picture book opportunity to observe how the centre of a storm passing right through our location. Some boats were not so lucky. One motor sailor went on the rocks to be refloated a day later, another yacht was lost. No casualties luckily…

[@Coleen_West]

Why not tell us what make and model sailboat you use? No videos on this at all for some reason.

[@sailingpolaris]

Hi Coleen
Polaris is a Bavaria Cruiser 46 (2017).
We plan a „Boat Tour“ Episode this winter that will show the boat with all the modifications we have made.
The TH-cam channel description has all this information and more details can be found on our website www.sailingpolaris.uk

[@Coleen_West]

@@sailingpolaris ..ah, thank you very much. Love the sailboat. Not sure why, but when I reread my comment/question, it came across as harsh.. Certainly wans't meant to be. Love those Scotland lock videos. So nice!

[@saturday7]

That was most informative to see the characteristics of the depression as it approaches and tracks overhead. Really good account of the wind shifts and pressure details.

[@sailingpolaris]

Thanks - we didn‘t get too much shooting during the peak winds… it was impressive and we are glad to have come out of it unscathed.
I saw it emerging on Windy and as we we decided to stay and sit it put I thought this might be interesting…

[@saturday7]

@@sailingpolaris What struck me was how rapidly the situation changed with the Northerly wind shift. From a breathless calm to a howling wind in short order, bringing boisterous conditions, the adjacent yacht pitching heavily. Reminded me of an anxious night I spent hoping my anchor would hold until the wind abated. Always a relief to come through. Nice work with your timely preparations.