S4#12. Can our Leopard 45 Beat the Storm? We run for cover again....

As we sail our Leopard 45 to the south end of Rhodes to anchor for two nights while a 25-35 knot storm blows itself out, we set off with two days to find protection from the next storm that is forecast to be 45 knots.
We set off from Rhodes and sail to Karpathos, spending a lovely afternoon there before ab=nother early start to cross the treacherous straits to Crete. This day the forecast winds of 15 -20 knots were an underestimate and we find ourselves sailing in 28 knots but happily get to the harbour town of Sitia where we expected to find good protection only to find the harbour is full and there is only one space on the outside of the harbour. This is very exposed, has bad bollard set up and very rough walls that look likely to burst our fenders....
What are our options as even the local fisherman that helps us tells us the approaching storm is very bad for this harbour as it it will blow straight into to part of the harbour wall...
We share the different options with you all and would like to know what you think we should do - 1. stay on the harbour wall, 2. Anchor in the middle of the harbour, 3. Motor 5 miles to anchor under the mountains on the other side ofd the bay to get some protection from the mountains - but are out on your own... Please let us know in comments what you think is best!!!
And then join us next week as we suffer the full force of the storm - how will we manage?
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[@YooooouKnowwwww]

love your channel, you guys are giving my wife and I the courage to start planning our adventure sailing. It's very scary getting started but seeing you guys do it is very energetic to us. Love from the USA

[@MSHopps175]

Hi guys my name is Martin and I have been following you since Covid , I was never able to give a like or comment due to limited internet access and wi-fi. I am able to verify that without your contribution to my sanity I would be a mess today. Thank you for every video you have made and posted, it is what made things bearable, I am forever grateful to you, thank you 🙏

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Martin, thanks very much for finally getting in touch with us and glad you could finally reach us! We are very glad that our videos have helped you through bad times and it is comments and benefits like this that make the days and days editing worthwhile!!!! So thank you so much for letting us know and hope we can continue to shine some light in your life!

[@seawench555]

Stunning absolutely gorgeous. Go third option, more room to move in a hurry, not damage from wharf, no fouled anchor. So I'm sure u anchored in the bay🤣 better for Eli to feel safe. Wishing I was there to help. Much love xx

[@geniexmay562]

Seconded. 3rd option gives more room.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Karlene for the choice and you are with the majority and us in this call. We will shore the reasons next episode...

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for your volte too, Genie!

[@user-pe6hh4rp6c]

I hope what ever choice you pick is the best for you😊

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks PE, yes of course we will always have to make the decision and take that responsibility but it is very interesting to find out what others would choose. There's not really a wrong answer - just different risks that you are choosing to take...

[@mangowalter8239]

Oh my goodness! It’s a tough decision which choice is best for the safety of yourselves and your catamaran during this storm. Without hesitation I would not stay docked on the outside against the concrete pier. I believe I would sail the 5 nautical miles and get on the other side of the mountain. Stay safe my friends! 😊

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for your vote Mango! And we agree as most viewers have to head out to the mountains....

[@juliazentner681]

From an armchair sailor trying to be a real sailor i pick 3. Mountain helps block wind with better anchoring option. But really you have this covered and i cant wait to see what option you picked!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Julia - our choice too with full explanation in next video...

[@MnGirl1994]

I know nothing about sailing, but my imagination keeps telling me that I'm incredibly adept at sailing, and I own a fabulous yacht. My expert opinion is #3.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Good on you - our choice too with full explanation in next video...

[@PeterAcrat]

Option #3 - Head for them hills guys. 👉Analoukas Beach looks chill. Health, Wealth and Happiness at you✨

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

We agree - thanks for the comment and obviously you know Greece?

[@Cptnbond]

Follow the advice of the local fishermen, which I assume is to anchor inside the harbor. Loss of a fouled anchor is worth it if it saves the boat. Cheers.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Bond, thanks for the harbour vote and the fishermen gave us the two options of anchoring in harbour or under mountains. We went out and we share the reasons in the next episode...

[@gbsailing9436]

Hi John and Eli, another fantastic episode (seems like a say that every week 🤔 but your vlogs are so informative and entertaining). I loved your opening scenes this week, especially you moving into the saloon with the kettle sitting on a blue frame of gas Eli. I well know the feeling of getting up early and looking forward to a steaming up of coffee/tea when in your favourite place. Personally, I would have chosen option two (I know this has all happened now), but I'd be inclined to drop two anchors, and possibly even attach a deep life line to the harbour headland to your port between the boats and let it lay deep until the blow arrives. Lay back off this line (downwind of the blow direction course) and still drop the anchors and get them set. Then when the blow hits and if you feel the anchors will not hold , You can then winch it in and take up some slack off the port headland line. Nobody is going to be going in or out while the blow is on so it would be a safe bet. No doubt you'll have your motors on just in case. If there are any dramas with the land line you can always drop it letting it sink (you could tie small shackles into it every 10 meters if your worried it won't sit on the bottom) and retrieve the line (and shackles) later. We are talking about an extreme blow here so I feel this is warranted. I know you guys are safe....so Fair 💨's and following 🌊's to you both for the week. Cheers

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Garth for the comments and your solution to the situation. Great strategies there and clever lifeline to shore idea! There is no right or wrong anyway, but we like to keep it simple and minimise risk so we headed out - reasons in the next episode...

[@gbsailing9436]

​@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Ah, OK great choice. Either way a sleepless night no doubt. Judos for the simple solution, as they say KISS and a KISS solution is often the best. I just wanted to be SURE as a home is worth a lot of money and you need to sell it to pay for the 52! LOL. Cheers guys.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes, we will be putting the 45 up for sale shortly!

[@waltervanderboor]

We have been at anchor in really bad conditions 60 kn and found ourselves dragging.. In the direction of rocks.. sometimes it is better to leave and go to deep water instead of staying near any rock formations. Personally I prefer to sit out in deep water over being at anchor and just sail/motor in the direction the storm comes from (if possible, cutting down the time) A well protected marina is obviously the best but a bad marina ( which we’ve experienced many times) or one like this, only adds to the risk. In your case? If there’s known issues on the marina bed forget about that location, double check with the marina master. Because it looks to be your best option. And you can put two anchors out. Do not stay at that corner unless you can get additional large fenders /planks and sufficient lines out. We would probably take the open anchorage or if any doubt over that ..just sail away in the direction of the storm and stay in deep water. Do not use sails other than a small storm jib if you do. Anyway Tie down everything that can flap or cause damage or come loose. Prepare for 60+ knots.. and you’ll be fine.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

H Walter, thanks very much for the your story, advice and the great info and we quite agree - much rather be in the open as it is the rocks and solid things that damage the boat, not usually the water.... We will share our logic in the next episode.

[@walterhiegel3020]

I think the first storm sets you up to weather the 2nd one. I have seen other channels weather much larger storms than this but you should never take a storm for granted and prepare properly. BTW never has a large sailboat so don't take advice from me. Lol?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Walter for the comment. 45 - 50 knot winds for anyone is severe strain on your boat and the tackle and of course folk have sat through hurricanes (as have we in the past) but when the winds get this high, you want to be somewhere safe.... I ws unfortunate that Sitia was not that "safe" port....

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

I've seen some footage of a dock like that.. it was in a massive blow and the swell was smashing the boats against the concrete and Virtually droping the stern moored boats on the concrete .. either chance the harbour and anchor or bug out its not the accelerations ..it the violent stopping that does the damage. Head out across the bay it may be rough but ... not as rough and close as that concrete. 😬🤞🏻⛵🧙🏻‍♂️

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Absolutely Clive - I always feel safer on water with no rocks, boats or things to bash into.... Full explanation next week!

[@MSHopps175]

Hello from the Klein Karoo

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Nice to hear from you in dry SA!

[@jodymooney255]

Option 3 guys! Stay safe❤

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Jody, we agree and we share the reasons in the next episode.

[@constantinealexandrakis]

Haha, loved the Greek background music. Can't wait to be back in Greece in a month. I would probably stay in the harbor mainly because if something happens help is closer.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Constantine, that is what your gut and Eli's gut tells you to do - and it seems more logical. We share our decision and reasons in the next episode.

[@ahminmabed5166]

Morning docs. Anchoring under the mountain seems to be the best option....except you'll be away from the restaurants🤣 Cheers

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Ahmin - absolutely agree and full explanation of our reasons in the next episode....

[@nikolaimariaromanov8384]

From us, make a run for it across the bay - 🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Nikolai! And you are not even a sailor!!!

[@limericcntelosnet]

Beautiful area and stunning video.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad you enjoyed it, Crystal!

[@johnphillips8088]

Great content 👍🏼❤️, stay safe. I’d say anchor in harbor, if it’s shallow you might dive to clear anchor. Again stay safe…

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad to hear your choice! Full explanation about the reasons for our choice next week.

[@chamuel48]

Love it you sharing your journey. I am not an experienced sailor at all but I love the idea of going out of the harbour under the protection of the mountains. A risk here maybe is that the wind shifts to a unfavourable direction. The dockside is a no go for me. The middle of the harbour is the safest bet only if you can get your anchor set well of course. Curious what your elimination thinking will be!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Chamuel, nice to hear from you and thanks for your choice! the direction of strong winds is usually fairly accurate - but yes that is the main risk of being out in the open bay.... We share our choice and the reasons next week and see how we go in the blow.

[@leeway777]

I can't wait to see you sail your Portofino. When will your new boat be completed?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI Lee, the P52 will be finished in Xmas /Jan so we will be doing the test sails in early 2025 - very exciting stuff!

[@Kingsoly]

Noticed the Oxley cap do you have a down wind parasail I think the concept is great

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI Kingsoly, yes we have an Oxley and get to use it when the weather improves (in later episodes) and when we get some downwind sailing... There are some videos from last season too where we had it up in Turkey tookzbin.info/www/bejne/a4nQhKigm9F3jMk. We did a whole series on Oxley setting and managing when I did the Atlantic crossing too if you want to see exclusive Oxley videos - kzbin.info/aero/PLcJClw3YBIM2jW10_ZGSvSwSg1P1WMxrX&si=t3pzik2GqVBJw2uN

[@paulsmith6553]

I would go to the other side of the island.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Paul for letting us know! The majority are with you!

[@jackwickman2403]

If you anchor inside the harbor and your anchor fouls in chains and cables on the bottom the silver lining is that it probably won't drag during the storm. Good holding ground. Getting loose afterwards is a challenge, though. Have you ever used the method of sliding a metal ring down the anchor chain pulled from the dingy to trip a fouled anchor? Did it work?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Jack, yes getting the anchor after blow is easy but sometimes you drag back into danger and then can't get out. Obviously each decision has different risks... We discuss our choice next week. I've of that way of getting your anchor out when fouled but never tried it before.

[@randalladdison537]

Please anchor near land somewhere that will shield you from wind and waves much as possible to keep safe.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Randall, that certainly seems to be the majority decision and we discuss our reasoning next week.

[@Uh-huh-uh-huh]

Great video! I’m no expert but anchoring inside seems best plan. (is this another “benefit“ for the equally sized monohull as they probably could’ve squeezed you in a better spot which they can’t do for the larger cats?)

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi ?Elvis / Uhhuh-uhhuh, That harbour was mostly alnsiode moorings so our width made no difference. The harbour was full of boats stored for the winter.... Thanks for your volte and we discuss it next episode with our thoughts.

[@justinstevenson5807]

Consult the locals first. But probably anchor in the harbor and rig a trip line buoy just in case

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Justin - that was a close choice but in the end we went out to the mountain - full explanation in next video...

[@greennewdealoxford]

I am assuming this was filmed some time ago - so you have presumably survived unscathed?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the comment and yes, clearly we are still alive and functional but watching the next episodes will show if we were unscathed! We are interested in what others would do in this tricky call...

[@kerenanastasiatocatly7505]

Can you send a link where we can find more information about how to join u! We are in Israel . we can come next week 🎉 we need help 🙏

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Keren, Are you talking about joining Patreon or are you wanting to join us for the patreon sailing week? We offer the sailing weeks to Patreons with the current one starting this weekend but the Patreon's were booked in some months ago. Please let us know what you are looking for.

[@moonhand8311]

Are you looking at max wind gust map when you say 'forecasts'. As you know, timing is also the worse part of meteorological science. Go to the Llee of the mountain where fetch is non existent.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes we were looking at average wind and gusts so it was gusts that were in the 40-50 range but our experience is that they often underestimate what actually happens... Full explanation about the reasons for our choice next week. Thanks for the comment!

[@saildreamer]

Go across the bay

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Good call!

[@claudiof.barbano5530]

Leave Harbour, go other side

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Claudio, our call too!!!