n Discuss all options with the seasoned cruis-
ers who have gathered to assist you. Their
perspective was very useful in the thinking
process of “what next?”
n Before you leave for any port with an
“injured” boat, talk through as many pos-
sible scenarios of further emergencies that
could occur and how to be prepared. We
discussed the fact that, day or night, at
anytime, the boat’s condition could worsen.
Therefore, a buddy boat was crucial.
n We also took other precautions: We placed
our life raft and ditch bag (along with key
important documents/cellphones/billfolds in
a dry bag) in the cockpit. We also pulled our
dinghy behind us, to provide us a quick exit
if necessary. We kept sharp knives and wire
cutters close by for dismantling riggings if
necessary.
— DONNA FOTH & DARRYL O’SICKEY
approximately 30 miles to
go to reach La Cruz. It
took close to 10 hours
to cover the last
30 miles.
When we finally
arrived in La Cruz
around 7 p.m. that
evening, a panga with
three men pulled us
safely to a dock near the
haul-out station. Relieved
to have made it without any
further mishaps (winds the following day
were 20-plus knots and could have spelled
serious trouble for us, given our boat’s
condition), we cleaned the boat, pulled off
personal items, and got ready for a haul-out.
Four days later, the survey was completed.
Luffin It had done her job in staying afloat
and keeping us out of the water, but she’d
sustained considerable damage
and was declared a total loss by
the surveyor.
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After their whale encounter, Donna and Darryl
purchased a 1988 Catalina 30 for sailing in
Lake Pend Oreille, North Idaho, where they live.
BoatU.S. Insurance now has an up-front “no hassle” cruising limit extension for popular destinations, including Mexico. For details, questions, and
to apply for coverage, or to add this coverage to an existing policy, call
1-800-283-2883. www.BoatUS.com/Insurance
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