August 27, 2011
A growing concern: Irene appears on a collision course for Shaboom. What’s that mean for our adventures in October? Who knows.
However, Pat is an active captain, so he’s prioritized and taken measures to make sure he’s in place to go down with the ship – now that’s commitment. He’s been sending me regular email updates. Here’s the thread in chronological order:
From: Tilson, Pat Civ USAF ANG NGB/A7AΩ
Subject: FW: UPDATE #7 – HURRICANE IRENE
Date: August 22, 2011 9:35:26 AM PDT
To: Stephen Carns
Good news for planning is I get these daily. Really good news is if we get off track somehow I also get them for the Pacific typhoons, earthquake & tsunami reports, tornados, floods, etc. Finally a job that cares about my sailing!
Pat Tilson, REM, CEA
Chief, HQ Environmental Branch
Air National Guard Bureau (NGB/A7AN)
Andrews AFB, MD 20762
—–Original Message—–
From: ANG Command Center
Subject: UPDATE #7 – HURRICANE IRENE
At 1500Z on 22 Aug 11, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory for Hurricane Irene. . .
From: Sailshabby
Subject: Re: Re:
Date: August 26, 2011 3:52:41 PM PDT
To: Stephen Carns
I’ve got the weather channel on my xm radio as I sit in the parking lot formerly known as the NJ Turnpike. I agree – it’s going to be nice and breezy but that’s about it. They’re calling for a large sized Cat 1 by the time it reaches me. I’m hoping the boat owners at the marina have their shit together and don’t fuck up access to the travelift. My luck I’ll get there and be blocked in by pulled boats. Actually, I’d be surprised if I wasn’t.
I’ll check on Utsch’s on the way back and help rebuild if needed. If the liquor store gets taken out we may need to reconsider NJ all together.
{Attachment – photo 1}
NJ Turnpike (a.k.a the parking lot)
From: Sailshabby
Subject: Re: Re:
Date: August 26, 2011 8:03:12 PM PDT
To: Stephen Carns
Weather Channel says there are 40′ seas at the eye. How we missed this opportunity for glory is beyond me…
From: Sailshabby
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Date: August 26, 2011 9:56:01 PM PDT
To: Stephen Carns
Arrived at boat. 30 seconds after I’m inspecting the new shaft (ooo-so shiny!!) and wondering which model wafer thin zinc will I be using, considering they replaced the old too short shaft with one… exactly the same length!!!!!!
They thoughtfully stripped the tipsters for the storm – everything off and piled down below. Took me three minutes of singlehanded effort to fold the main. Needless to say, we’re going to have to do our dodger stretching exercise again. Sure, we could have been enjoying a new one but apparently the canvas store half mile away needs more than three months lead time to get a quote out the door. (two notes to self – avoid Huntington in the future and get the solar panel dropped off at canvas store two months ago.)
You and I are in the wrong line of work.
From: Sailshabby
Subject: Where’d I leave my umbrella?!
Date: August 27, 2011 7:26:18 AM PDT
To: Stephen Carns
Path of Irene according to the NY Times. Shabby and I are sitting where the dashed line crosses the top of Long Island. Stopped at the food store and loaded up on plenty of supplies – dozen bags of Ruffles, case of Oreos, fifty or so spicy Slim Jims, and plenty of beer, of course (already have half dozen bottles of wine on board, which I’ll need to empty quickly so I can send out messages). Also picked up an apple, just in case.
We should be okay. Fortunately the boat’s already out of the water for the new engine job, which started in June 1st and was only supposed to take two weeks. Thank god for boat mechanics!
Stay dry, stay safe.
{Attachment – Photo 2}
Projected Storm Path (Right over the top of Shaboom)
– Steve