Pogo our allied Mistress was in the Southport Anchorage in Stuart Florida when Hurricane Francis blew through. Apparently the eye passed right over her. It appears that at least two boats blew down on her and after continuous pounding she broke her mooring lines. I had placed 5 5/8 inch lines on her and all parted.

The boat sailed about a mile and a half then bounced for about 200 yards till it hit a dock with her starboard side. She rubbed a dock piling for a while then was blown stern first into some mangroves in someone's backyard. The boat suffered severe damage but it is nothing that can't be repaired.

The damage is as follows:

1. A separation of the hull-deck joint on the starboard side that is approximately 4 feet long.

2 An approximately 4" X 8" spot on the starboard side where the gel coat wore off.

Note: these two items are the most serious damage.

3. The bow pulpit is bent in a V where it looks like another boat's bow came down on top of it.

4. The stern rail and davits are bent at near a right angle. I think this was caused by another boat too.

Note: these davits were constructed of box beam stainless steel approximately 5 inches X 8 Inches. so something large had to hit them.

5. Torn sacrificial cloth on the main sail roller furling (no sail damage).

Other than mentioned above there was no damage to the hull and except for rain water and some salt water splashing which came through the hull deck separation there was little t water in the boat. I was able to mop it up with a towel, of course I will have to refinish my sole. This was all in the front cabin the aft cabin is completely dry.

When I first got on the boat I thought I was going to have to claw my way through the cabin due to equipment being thrown about, amazingly every thing for the most part was still in its stored position.

Folks this boat withstood a sustained wind of 105 MPH with gusts of 124 and yet the most serious damage occurred after she was hit by other boats and by hitting a dock after bouncing over the bottom for a good way. After inspection of the boat I believe that once removed to deeper water I can power her up and take her to the yard. I am waiting for the insurance company to salvage her.

From now on when someone tells me, "They don't build them like they use to" I am going to believe them. This is one strong boat!

Just looked at the forecast for Ivan, looks like I am going to get another hit. Where the boat is now there is no chance of moving her or securing her, Wish me Luck.

Mike, S/V Pogo