Last Monday i decide that it would be nice to set sail from Geelong (Victoria, AU) to Melbourne, and spend some New Year time looking at fire works.
On the first leg there was practically no wind. I set spinnaker and made very slow progress. After some 2 to 3 hrs into my trip the wind pick up and i get my spinnaker down using sock.
The main was riffed to 2nd and lashed to the boom. I have unfurl main jib just snuff to make steady progress. Under furled jib i made 4.5 to 5 knots. It was ruff , but comfy. This was for about for another 2 hrs, the wind pick up. I roll my jib further down. Wind speed was about 30 knots, then the wind really hit. My boat was in about 45 deg or more. I seen my rubber dinghy flying past, ripped out going probably to Tasmania. I have basically stand straight pushing rudder with my feet, trying to point the boat into the wind. Absolutely impossible, the force of wind push me back. I cud not heave to ???? Did consider for moment to jump out. Fortunately this would be a very stupid thing to do.after about 1 hr i have gain some control of my boat and start making headway to Melbourne. Mu speed was reaching 6.5 to 7, 8 knots. Finally after 2 more hrs i managed to pull outside visitors sea wall at Williamstown Royal Sailing Club.
On close inspection i found that my main sail sustain some damage (stitches of the leach being ripped out and sail was torn off), my wind compass on top of the mast was not there, my dinghy was ripped out. Later an i have spoken to local water police and they inform me that the wind was in excess of 47 to 60 knots.
Love my boat. Its Australian build Compass 28.
I may be ready for Cape Horn ???
Unfortunately i made lots of mistakes which actually provide me with lots of knowledge. I did not carry sea anchor for a start ( its on order). I did not pay enuff attention to barometer for any early working.
What a ride.
Live to tell.
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