Anchoring in a Waterspout - Solo Sailing FL Keys

To be honest with you as I was dragging in that first storm with each flash of lightning I saw the bridge getting closer and closer. For awhile there after I had deployed all my anchors and was still drifting I truly thought the boat was doomed. Obviously looking back I could have prepared in many different ways for this but there is a lot I still don't know. Unfortunately I seem to have a habit of learning things the hard way recently but with each experience I believe I am doing things differently and growing accordingly. I appreciate everyone who watches and I'm glad to hear you enjoy these videos too!
Instagram @damon.rust
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[@Amicaner]

Cool video with good anchoring ideas.

[@myogart]

I like that anchoring system. I’ll have to try that. Great video 👍

[@dr.morningstar3542]

You did great man. It was a hell of a night at sea little buddy. Don't beat yourself up. Still afloat, still a boat! 😂 it's rough at this anchorage.

[@EvanLoewen]

Hey man! Super cool that you're out facing these challenges! I did the same when I was 25 starting in the Florida Keys as well. 6 years later I'm still at it. Currently in Rio Dulce, Guatemala with my boat. If you can afford it I'd recommend you buy yourself some 5/16 chain. Mother Ocean in Key Largo sells some usually.. Get 100 feet at least. Also, those danforths anchors don't work when there's heavy wind shifts. It's better to sit on a single oversized anchor in my opinion. A single anchor also greatly reduces fowling issues. Sorry to be "that guy" haha... The first year out on the water is definitely the hardest! There's so much to learn. Keep your head up.

[@damonrust]

I appreciate all the "that guy" feedback. I've obviously got a lot to learn still which is why I like sharing my failures to see what I could be doing different. I have heard from several people now about mother ocean so will have to swing by and see what they have. I also keep hearing an oversized rocna anchor is the way to go. They are pretty pricy but at this point if it'll keep the boat in place then probably worth it.

[@damonrust]

That also sounds like quite the adventure you've been on yourself! That's the dream here but gotta survive the first year and see where the wind takes me from there.

[@EvanLoewen]

@@damonrust you're doing it right. Being willing to fail is the key to success. And the fact that you're comfortable showing it is great. I've been sailing engineless for 7500nm now. Had my fair share of scary situations happen. It keeps me feeling like im really living haha! Maybe I'll see you out there one day.

[@damonrust]

Haha wow that's impressive going that long without a engine. If our paths do cross one day I'd love to hear the stories ✌️⛵️

[@jchambers2045]

You are definitely in the Florida Keys at the wrong time of the year. Hurricane season is predicted to be bad this year. Stay safe.

[@BRAAD2024]

BE CAUTIOUS CAPTAIN DAMON‼️‼️🇺🇸

[@damonrust]

I have gone ahead and got a slip here in the harbour so I can tie off for the peak of the season. I am pulling all the sails and panels off today. Only time will tell now.

[@timothymcglade105]

Damon, what year make and size is your boat?

[@mukymuk3]

Be sure you have an exit plan. You could get tropical storms coming up from the western Caribbean and GoM on you within a matter of days. Already two systems popped up there in the last week. With the right conditions they can head NE in a hurry. Also, you should think carefully about your anchor gear and strategy. Not a big fan of multiple anchors--more to deal with when shit goes sideways--as you now know. One anchor, properly sized and set, should be more than enough for a boat like yours. Simple is good. Fair winds my young friend.

[@damonrust]

I agree, I have gone ahead and got a slip inside the harbor here as my anchoring setup is definitely not adequate enough yet to survive any bigger storms. I'm planning on staying tied up here till the peak of the season passes and in the meantime, will be working on sizing up my anchor and doubling my chain.

[@mikerust3366]

Maybe see you the fourth of july

[@damonrust]

I will be there!