S/V INTREPID II - Cape Dory Intrepid 40

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Intrepid II is a Cape Dory Intrepid 40 sailboat, hull #2, designed by Chuck Paine and discovered by the Captain in Blue Hill Maine in 2006. The crew are Kelly (Captain) and Carol (Admiral and Blogger). In 2009 INTREPID II embarked on her West Coast journey from Victoria to San Francisco, the Baja Sur Peninsula and into the Sea of Cortez. In 2010/2011, we sailed from Guaymas, south to Bahia Banderas and back. In 2011/2012 we left Guaymas, headed south to La Paz, spent three weeks at anchor on our northward journey and rested on the hard in San Carlos. Her 4th, 5th and 6th seasons were Boat Projects related. Season 7 - an incredible amount of boat work - but no cruising. Season 8 - Tropical Storm Sergio toppled Intrepid II in San Carlos dry storage. A disappointing season of serious and costly repairs. Season 9 - continuing those repairs and still hopeful for cruising.

March 11, 2011

Awoke to tsunami warning - Friday March 11

We are currently watching various news updates on the computer about the horrific 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which has levelled parts of Japan. Hoping that the rescue efforts already in place can somewhat mitigate the devastation we are seeing.

We were woken by a neighbour who was up preparing to head back home for a few weeks and had turned on his radio and tv.  The Port Captain has closed the port, as a matter of course.  Cruisers have to sit tight at the dock and monitor the coming impact.  Everyone is busy putting out extra dock lines, ensuring all is secure inside and on deck and checking that, if we rock and roll from additional surge and current, spreaders won't knock into each other.  Marina El Cid is just inside the breakwater and regularly experiences some surge and current, so most boats are well secured in any event.

On the 08:00 am cruisers' net we heard that a few boats had already left as planned for their crossing towards La Paz.  Being out in deep water is a good thing to minimize any tsunami impact.

This event put us in mind of our departure from La Paz in late February 2010. An earthquake had struck Chile and there were tsunami warnings for the Pacific coast areas.  We were ready to leave Marina Palmira and did so, just before the port was closed, staying well away from the shore and watchful of any increasing waves.  Nothing of any note occurred and we were grateful for that.

Hope all is well wherever you are.

(PS:  Happy Birthday Bonnie!)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi Carol and Kelly,
So happy you are having a wonderful trip and avoiding any tsunami problems.

Love your updates, as it takes me off to enjoy your adventures with you. Love it.

Stay safe and happy sailing.
Linda