September, 2015 - THE WASH AND UNSCHEDULED STOP IN GRIMSBY, UK

We left Whitby with the wind off the stern quarter.  Finally able to sail, with winds forecast at Force 4 to 5.  By evening we were running straight downwind, with reefed main and Staysail sheeted in as steadying sail.  Wind built to at least Force 6 and waves were building as we approached the "Wash", a shallow coastline now a lee shore. 

An unintentional jibe, a sharp snap and life became exciting.  The Boom had snapped in two, at the Preventor's attachment point.  Darkness fell as we battled to lower the main and secure the Boom.  Mission accomplished we assessed our options.  Continue across the Wash in the deteriorating conditions, with its shallow waters, oil rigs and lee shore, or divert to Grimsby, a 8 plus hour diversion up the Humber Estuary, one of the busiest commercial traffic rivers in Europe.  We chose option B,  tieing up at the Humber Cruising Association dock at 04:30.

The very friendly members and staff put us in touch with a local Engineering Shop and our Boom was repaired and back on board inside of 23 hours!  As a bonus the Clubhouse has a friendly Members and very cheep drinks.  Other then that Grimsby has little to offer.

Repaired, stronger then new.