![]() In the story of Changing Tides, a huge storm rolls in across the Atlantic Ocean and becomes a dangerous threat to a family sailing a few miles out at sea around the Cornish coast. What started out as a relaxing holiday turns out to be a terrifying battle for their lives. Their day started out beautifully, but as they sailed past Gwennap Head off the southern coast of Cornwall in their new sailing yacht, the 37 foot Quantum Wave, the sky darkened and the winds started to freshen. The father, also the skipper of their new sailing yacht wasn’t aware of any weather systems forecast for today in this area so continued sailing onward. However, a few miles south west of the notorious Runnel Stone, he was starting to feel a little bit uneasy about how things were developing knowing that if this was an incoming weather system, he would need to start thinking of turning around and making for the nearest safe harbour at Newyln. He went below to check the Navtex for the latest weather report. However, the screen was blank and after a few reboots, it was clear that the Navtex had developed a fault. Little did he know that a weather warning had been broadcast and a low pressure system had been developing in the Atlantic and creating a storm front that was moving rapidly towards them. This would get stronger as it moved across the warmer ocean waters. He went back out on deck and could clearly see that conditions were deteriorating. The wind had increased significantly and the waves had started to build. He was sailing on a beam reach as the wind blew in from the vast expanse of ocean and it was getting rougher. He had a few a few strategies he could use in storm conditions. He could ride the storm out by ‘heaving to’ which is a time-honored storm tactic preferred by many sailors. The boat is turned close to the wind, and the helm is locked into position. The alternative was turning around and running ahead of the sea downwind. He was well aware of the risks with this approach and while some sailors swear by running ahead of the sea, this tactic requires constant skilful steering as a following sea can cause the boat to broach or worse, pitchpole end over end. ![]() He went down below to discuss with the family and put his waterproof gear on. They decided to turn around and make for safe harbour while they still had time to get ahead of the storm. However, they would need to reef in the mainsail as they didn’t want a lot of sail up when tacking. If a strong gust hits the sails during the turn, it could capsize the boat. They went back on deck to reef in the sail and prepare for the turn. Incredibly, the conditions had worsened in the last fifteen minutes and it wasn’t long before the waves are crashing onto the deck and the boat is leaning over at a precarious angle as the winds get stronger. The father is reefing in the main sail, with a sense of disbelief that the storm has hit them so quickly. The waves are coming in over 20 foot now and the wind blowing 50 knots or more. How could this happen? How could he have missed the signs? The sail is halfway down when suddenly, it jams! A huge wave slams the boat broadside causing it to pitch perilously close to a knockdown, where the mast touches the water. The father holds on to the railing for his life. Crockery can be heard smashing down below. Panic starts to take hold of the mother and the two children. The boat rights itself quickly but the waves are getting bigger crashing over the deck and with the sailed jammed, the boat is becoming increasingly difficult to control. Another big wave like the last one could capsize them completely. The waves are getting closer together and steeper. And they only thing he can do now is ‘heave to’ and the lock the helm into position in the hope that they can ride out the storm. ![]() Out of nowhere, a huge mountain of water appears from the side. The father looks up in horror and disbelief. It’s too late for him to do anything except brace himself and hope his lifeline holds secure. The boat pitches over as it rides up the side of this monster wall of water, but then, the wave breaks on top of the boat. The wave flips the boat over like it is made of cardboard. The noise is deafening inside the cabin, with the roar of the wave above them, metal twisting and snapping under the weight of the water. The family are thrown around in the galley as crockery and kitchen utensils fly around. The mother and children scream in panic and sheer terror. Cold sea water is flooding into the galley. The boat completely turns over and ends up on its side. Eventually, the boats rights itself and the Mum rushes to children. They are cold and scared but not injured. The Dad was thrown into the cockpit but his safety line held. He rushes down into the cabin for his family. There is no time to waste and they take immediate action. Everyone knows what to do as they grab their waterproofs, torch, flares and survival kit. Fortunately, the radio is still working and so the father makes the call: Mayday. Mayday. Mayday This is the sailboat Quantum Wave Mayday Quantum Wave Latitude five zero degrees one minute 33 seconds North Longitude negative zero five degrees 40 minutes 33 seconds west. We are taking on water 4 on board including 2 children. In need of immediate assistance. Just then, the lights go out. The children scream. Mum holds them close to offer some comfort but this is a dire situation. The bilges must have flooded and taken out the batteries. The Dad grabs the torch but the radio is dead. The boat seems to have stabilised somewhat but the waves still crash over it as water runs through the hatch. The Dad goes on deck to survey the situation. It’s not good, the mast has snapped and there is a large crack in the hull of the boat where they are taking on water taking on water….
Back on land, the Coastgaurd pick up a mayday call, but they have not been able to make contact with the stricken vessel. The Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are scrambled. The last reported position before contact was lost, was just a few miles south west of the Runnel Stone, notorious for so many shipwrecks over the years. Concern is growing for the safety of the family. A race against time begins for the crews of SAR.
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Tim HardwickI'm a composer, producer and author. I've been creating music for many years now and over the last 8 years, I've been focused on the fusion of electronic, orchestral and acoustic music that tells a story. Archives
April 2018
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