We’ve moved a short distance to the east and reset the anchor. Winds so far are east to northeast, at anything from a few to 25 knots. The drawing upper left represents the circulation of a northern hemisphere depression. As you can see, the wind direction we have indicates the track is to our left or west.

Our logic is in choosing this spot is as follows:

• We have protection from ESE through NW, so we are covered if the hurricane veeres to the east of us.
• There is room to drag to leeward.
• We are (hopefully) far enough from shore to limit damage from flying debris.

Bands of rain are showing up now on the radar. The question mark  shape above is the anchorage and t he solid colors outside are dense rain.

This type of radar signature is typical of tropical storms. Right now the rain is pouring down, but in a few minutes it will be gone. Deck drains are open and we are filling the tanks.

We are on a single anchor, our big ROCNA, with dual snubbers. One snubber is 50 feet (15m) long and made from 3/4″ (19m) nylon. The second is 7/16″ (11mm) and fifteen feet (4.5m). If we were in deep water, with a bit of chain catenary to soften shock load we’d not bother with snubbers. But here it is just seven feet (2.15m) so  we need a bit of elastic in the system.

Both booms are out at a 45 degree angle, to provide aft windage. So far there  is very little shearing.

We’ve had a lovely dinner, good conversation, the first lightening and thunder of the party has arrived, and  now its is time for a movie.