Not quite Bayesian !

But she was prominent in my thoughts!

So had a great sail from València to where I am in Oropesa. 10 hrs sailing with the last two at night and 7 kts all good . Decided to anchor outside rather than enter small strange marina at 23.30 with building winds. Limited anchorage’s around here but this was a bay  with sand below . 3-4 m depth so all good . A bit rolley to start off but nothing to concern then the wind picked up as well. Lots of noise and banging around but had new nylon snubbing line to two cleats so happy and went to bed. Not very productive bearing in mind the noise and motion but at 1.30 there was a new noise . Had the boom fallen ? No the anchor chain was paying out on its own. 

Rolling sea- under statement . I’ve never seen breaking waves move past me at such speed . I was side to swell on occasion and these were hitting from the side . The cockpit was awash but not drowned. The wind was over 20 knots and I was wondering what to do. I’ve 70 meters of heavy chain but half of that would take me aground . Last sight of the depth gauge showed 2.1 m , I use 1.8m. I was lying on the fore deck tying ropes around the chain to stop it paying out , while it was paying out. Next best option ditch the whole length of chain and anchor go out to sea . Head to marina next day then recover anchor! My tie jobs seem to be holding as was my trusty anchor so although my depth gauge was flashing inaccurate crazy figures now due to excessive rocking and data burp. I wasn’t aground and wasn’t getting any closer to the beach. I decided to monitor the situation. Stayed up top as static motion was making me feel a bit queasy . Wouldn’t say I slept, but cat napped while holding on and waiting for sunrise at about 7. 

It arrived and I was still in one piece, as was the kat . Time to start fannying about As the anchor would not haul in under strain . I tried winching and pulling by hand but trying to lock off each foot pulled in wasn’t working. Time to call for assistance or cut the anchor away. 

Then a small boat with two blokes on board asked if I needed help and one spoke good English. Some might not understand but sometimes help though well intended isn’t help it’s hinderence! Any how seemed worth a try. Bingo. The guy swam across , got him on board. He understood the issue. I used the engine to position us, he hauled in the chain and I locked what he’d taken in with a carabiner. Running back and forth to position and secure . Very successful. Couldn’t have had a better bloke to help. 25 yr old, just passed his police exams and entering the academy next month. Looked like he worked out . 

Anchor stored he swam back ,bear in wind the wind was brisk and the boat rocking around , not as bad as previous night but difficult . I entered the marina completely shag mc knackered! Did the paperwork then saw the two lads in the cafe. They were supposed to be fishing but Adrian was feeling a bit sick and his mate decided to call it off. I did offer the guy some money when he was on the boat but he declined so I bought them their breakfast. The second bloke was an ambulance driver . Really nice of them to assist!

So windlass is knackered. The anchor plate bent . My snubbing hook is lost but I’ve arranged for the spare parts and done what I can to prepare but curtailing plans as with out anchor some of the marinas are really too expensive . This one isn’t and is really nice so am staying here for a week or so. Things to do.😄