Rick from Maine
New member
Getting off the Rocks ( see sketch in photo album page 4, Maine 2010 cruise)
What Happened:
1. During the Maine 2010 C-Dory Cruise, Hunky Dory (HD) got into an unbelievable fix. While trying to exit the Vinalhaven Basin, she struck a submerged boulder, which instantly caused HD to swing 180 degrees. Then as I raised the engine and dropped the anchor, the rushing currents bounced us off barnacle-encrusted boulders into a boulder garden. “On Golden Pond” rocks had nothing on these.
2. Initially HD was caught on a rock with a 30 degree list ( position 1 in phantom). Quick response by Dave Seaton who anchored Widget, got the dingy off the roof, and mounted an engine and picked up Mike. They helped me to get HD to the flat (position 2). The tide was ebbing with a roar visually dropping so fast we couldn’t move further.
The Rescue:
3. The grounding occurred at 3:30 PM. Next high tide was 1:00 AM, on a moonless night. The footing was treacherous due to slippery seaweed, sticking mud, submerged pot holes, and steep rocks.
4. Five C-Brats came to my rescue. We stood in 60 degree water initially ankle deep but rising over our waists over three hours, while waiting, holding and watching the Perseid Meteor shower.
5. The incoming tide roared in with a vengeance. The stern anchor line was as taut as an iron bar as Dun snubbed and paid it out.
6. Dave, Ray and David acted as guides trying to keep HD from hanging up, while Mike flaked in the fwd anchor line.
7. After midnight, the currents were so strong we all got on the boat thinking we’d surf out. But, we grounded on the Big Friggin Boulder (BFB) (position 3). That’s when it got really wild. The surrounding roaring white water made communication difficult. Dave & David jumped onto the BFB and gave a mighty push, while Mike pulled fwd and Dun let go aft. We washed through the boulders while I unceremoniously hauled Dave and David over the gunwale.
8. We did it! Lowered the engine and putted over to raft up with Widget for the night. Widget and HD shared some brandy before sleeping.
The Result:
9. No injuries to anyone, except one scratched knee. Hardly any visual damage. No dings to prop or skeg. Some scratches on the green stripe, and some gel coat chips on the bottom aft stbd chine from grinding on rocks and barnacles.
10. My heart felt thanks to the five C-Brats who got HD out of that mess.
What Happened:
1. During the Maine 2010 C-Dory Cruise, Hunky Dory (HD) got into an unbelievable fix. While trying to exit the Vinalhaven Basin, she struck a submerged boulder, which instantly caused HD to swing 180 degrees. Then as I raised the engine and dropped the anchor, the rushing currents bounced us off barnacle-encrusted boulders into a boulder garden. “On Golden Pond” rocks had nothing on these.
2. Initially HD was caught on a rock with a 30 degree list ( position 1 in phantom). Quick response by Dave Seaton who anchored Widget, got the dingy off the roof, and mounted an engine and picked up Mike. They helped me to get HD to the flat (position 2). The tide was ebbing with a roar visually dropping so fast we couldn’t move further.
The Rescue:
3. The grounding occurred at 3:30 PM. Next high tide was 1:00 AM, on a moonless night. The footing was treacherous due to slippery seaweed, sticking mud, submerged pot holes, and steep rocks.
4. Five C-Brats came to my rescue. We stood in 60 degree water initially ankle deep but rising over our waists over three hours, while waiting, holding and watching the Perseid Meteor shower.
5. The incoming tide roared in with a vengeance. The stern anchor line was as taut as an iron bar as Dun snubbed and paid it out.
6. Dave, Ray and David acted as guides trying to keep HD from hanging up, while Mike flaked in the fwd anchor line.
7. After midnight, the currents were so strong we all got on the boat thinking we’d surf out. But, we grounded on the Big Friggin Boulder (BFB) (position 3). That’s when it got really wild. The surrounding roaring white water made communication difficult. Dave & David jumped onto the BFB and gave a mighty push, while Mike pulled fwd and Dun let go aft. We washed through the boulders while I unceremoniously hauled Dave and David over the gunwale.
8. We did it! Lowered the engine and putted over to raft up with Widget for the night. Widget and HD shared some brandy before sleeping.
The Result:
9. No injuries to anyone, except one scratched knee. Hardly any visual damage. No dings to prop or skeg. Some scratches on the green stripe, and some gel coat chips on the bottom aft stbd chine from grinding on rocks and barnacles.
10. My heart felt thanks to the five C-Brats who got HD out of that mess.
