Re-Anchoring In A Gale

Iceberg In Prins Christain Sund

When another large iceberg began making its way into our anchorage at the weather station, we had no choice but to move. We pulled anchor and made our way to the next anchorage eleven miles away in gale force winds caused by a low that was passing south of us. Under staysail alone Snow Dragon surfed along in the 30 plus knots. As we turned towards the bay, it was obvious just looking in Pulatoq that it was not going to provide any protection form the wind so we continued heading west through the sound.

By this time we decided to roll in the stay sail and continue with bare poles and the engine so that we would not risk damaging the sail in the gusty winds. Even with bare poles Snow Dragon was still being pushed along at 6.5 knots, we only needed the engine for additional maneuverability in the tight, ice-filled sound. We looked at a couple of other anchorages but one was too exposed and the other left no swinging room in the stormy conditions.

Our charts for Prins Christian Sund were loaned to us by a friend who has cruised the area and it was amusing comparing his notes on the anchorages to what we were finding in the gale. In many respects it was an enjoyable expereince, it is not often that we get to be in strong wind with relatively calm seas. Gerd took the opportunity to make good use of his new foul weather gear and manned the helm. While we all appreciated seeing the changing mood of the landscape with the dark clouds and stormy light.

With the wind gusting to 58.6 knots and forming water twisters as we neared the end of the sound, we began to consider the possibility that we might not find a safe place to stop. Right before the westerly exit of the sound was Igdlorssuit Havn (60' 10N 43' 03W), our only remaining option before we entered a more open fjord. From the chart it did not look any better than the anchorages we had already dismissed. But on closer inspection it looked promising. We made a couple circuits around both lobes of the bay, checking the depth before deciding where to drop the anchor. The wind made it impossible for Krystina to hold Snow Dragon in place and we ended up dropping in 36 meters. After letting out 90 meters of chain, the anchor held solidly in the strong winds.

The only potential hazard was the icebergs that were drifting rapdily past. Most avoided us but two came within striking distance. One Gerd was able to scare away by waving a boat hook in the air. The other more sizable berg was not as intimidated by the boat hook and we had to start the engine and power toward the shore to let it slip past. But not before Frances had time to paint a watercolor of the blue iceberg charging down the sound. We maintained and ice watch through the night just incase another one tried to pay us a visit. Nothing did and by morning both the wind and the ice had decreased. The clouds had lifted and we were able to appriciate the beauty of our possition under a towering granite wall beside a valley glacier.

For more photos please click on Gale Album.