“Dodging a Bullet”

Obviously, the two key words are “dodging” and “bullet.” Dodging may be generally and easily defined as moving in a direction to avoid something. Bullet, on the other hand, may have various definitions depending on one’s situation. For this story, let’s accept dodging in its general sense and bullet as a hazardous weather phenomenon.

When sailing the Pacific coast of Panama and northbound for Costa Rica, the last Panamanian island is Isla Coiba. This is a national park and marine reserve with many secluded bays surrounded by jungle. If anchored in the bay off Playa Rosario, the sail to Golfito – the first port in Costa Rica – is typically a 20-hour +/- sail. The prudent mariner leaves midday, sails overnight, and arrives in Golfito sometime late morning that next day.

That’s all well and good. But, “Mother Nature’s curve ball” complicates things. Squalls are a common occurrence in the tropics. Squalls (“localized rain storms”) are usually brief (15-45 minutes) with a range of wind speeds and gusts. Experiencing a squall may be the basis for one definition of sailing: “Hours and hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror.”

Since squalls are not stationary, you have a chance to determine which way it’s moving. And, seeing it far enough in advance may allow you to avoid it – the best option. During daylight, this is a possibility. At night, the lightning flashes may help, but being able to tune your radar to see the area(s) of heaviest rainfall is much more effective.

Overnight, I was sailing northwest while the squall was moving east-to-west -- fortunately passing behind me. At dawn when the photo was taken, I was able to appreciate the significance of the bullet I had dodged!