The Death Coast

Posted byTim KopischkePosted inStage #1Tags:, ,

Three days into our Atlantic Crossing scored 380 miles of water under the sturdy hulls of Queen’s Dream. Traversing the Bay of Biscay was an honorable warm-up for the awaiting turn at the NW top of Spain. The legendary area around Costa Da Morte is historically known as the “Death Coast” due to the substantial number of ships it has claimed over the centuries. After a close review of the weather conditions, we entered the region just as a wonderful sunset disappeared from the daylight hours.

In preparation, the main sail was double reefed to lessen the overall sail area exposed to potential winds. Our weather routing software showed a noted “compression” zone of increased winds traveling around the corner. QD entered the area with full confidence and ready crew. As the forecast called for, the sea state rose, and the winds increased to eventually level out steadily above 30 knots of True wind. Many gusts exceeded that into full Gale range. QD powered through the seige easily showing she was certainly built to be a “blue water” soldier. The ride was rough, but the crew was safe as QD pushed forward on her planned route. The area is congested with sizeable fishing vessels. Constant vigilance is needed to ensure we weave through the sizeable ships fishing the area as they have done for centuries. It felt like a scene from “Deadliest Catch”. The coming days should display QD clearing the full turn of Spain and southward down the Portugal coast. Gazing over the waters here fuels the imagination of the exact waters that early Atlantic explorers left from and the unknown lands ahead. We have an advantage – we know what exists on the other side of the Atlantic!

13 thoughts on “The Death Coast”

  9. Fascinating description of your QD navigations. Thankful for you safe passage around Spain in your trusty craft. I imagine you are learning so much about ALL the tricks 🙋‍♀️😳🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment