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Voyage 2002-2003: Chapter 8

Hurricane Isabel

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2002 Home     Map                         Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5     Chapter 6     Chapter 7     Chapter 8    

22 Sep 2003, Hurricane Isabel, 38 43.529 N/ 076 32.599 W

We were preparing for a land voyage to Maine to scope out our trip next year. Unfortunately, Isabel had other things in mind. By 15 September, it was clear that Isabel was favoring a course towards the Chesapeake Bay. Bob started to harden Jule III by removing as much stuff as possible to reduce her windage. Sails, solar panels, jerry cans, dinghy, and other assorted equipment were stored below. Lines were doubled up and adjusted to accommodate the wind (50-70 kts) and storm surge (6-8 feet). By 18 September, the winds were blowing 30-40 kts out of the NE. Boats, including Jule III were heeling in their slip. Sadly, we had to leave and finish securing our dirt dwelling (photo courtesy of S/V Brass Ring).
Once we arrived at our land home, we readied the basement for the siege. Our 150 year old oaks started their dance in the increasing winds. We lost electricity at 2100 hrs. The next morning found our house safe and sound (though our neighbor's house was split in two by a falling tree). Once the winds subsided below 30 kts, we headed back to the boat. She was lying 6 feet above her normal resting place, but she was none the worsei for wear. We could not get near her as the water was too high. But she was safe!
The next day, the water had subsided and we boarded her and found no water inside! We started putting her back together...sails, solar panels, and the other stuff. She was beginning to look like her old self. Life is good. We heard reports that other marinas on the western shore did not fare as well. Places further north had experienced a surge over 7 feet. We could only hope that the reports were not true.
Damage was massive! Our sister marina is exposed to the east and southeast. Three to four foot waves easily shattered the docks. Many headsails unfurled in the fury. The marina was feverishly hauling boats before they sank. Many appeared to be a total loss. Not a pretty site. We can only hope that the Bay will not experience anything like this during my lifetime.
The yard was hauling boats days later. Most had seen the bottom and many were a total loss. The boat on the left was impaled by one of the slip's pilings. The boat had risen above the piling and settled on it as the water receded. The piling punctured the hull and down it went. Not a pleasant sight. The are numerous other stories along the Western shore of the Chesapeake. Few marinas escaped the furor of Isabel.

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