The North Channel is much more remote than we have been so far. Here we are at anchor behind Johns Island to get maximum protection from the windy conditions. Also, at this place we took the dinghy up close to the huge rock formations extending from the shoreline.
The next morning we decided to head for Thessalon. But after about 30 minutes of beam seas and a storm warning ahead, we decided to turn back. We learned our lesson from last month trying to tough it out going across Lake Ontario. So back to Johns Island.
Then, here came the storm. My anchor wasn't set well enough for 50-60 mile an hour winds so we broke loose and were heading for the rocks. I fired up the engines in a hurry to keep us off the rocks. Then, a nearby sailboat was swinging toward us as the wind direction changed, almost pinning us between the shoreline and the other sailboat. Fortunately, I was able to power us away from the other boat in time to avoid a big collision. But my second anchor was just clipped by the other sailboat's stayline, knocking it into the water. My main anchor was already in the water. So here we were with high winds and a driving rain and two anchors in the water between the rocky shoreline and another boat. Sound like fun? The admiral must have thought so because she was taking pictures of the calamity in progress. The winds began to subside as soon as they came so we were able to recoil both anchors and re-anchor.
Lesson Learned: Make certain anchor is very well set. I should have known of the possibility of wind shifts and the potential of the approaching storm. Also, allow for the swing of other boats.
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