A big blow and almost set to go Lindsay McRory March 16, 1996 Last week's 36-hour storm put a very effective halt to our final preparation work. The strength and duration of the storm was amazing. The motion of Hakuna Matata at dock was similar to being at sea. The kids slept in lee cloths, and all lockers and gear were secured to prevent things from flying around. At times we were heeled more than 10 degrees. The last afternoon was the worst. The winds blew a consistent 50 mph with frequent gusts to 75 mph. All boats in the marina had as many lines out as they could. The final damage toll was minor. The marina lost a piling and some of its concrete dock, but gained a white-sand beach where none existed before. A trawler started sinking after the first day, but was rescued by divers. We got through completely unscathed. Mother Nature can put on a heck of a good show. I often read in cruising guides and other sailing publications that most people cruise for years without seeing winds in excess of 50 mph. In Steve and Linda Dashews' "Sundeer" videos they talk about having to reef their sails only three times in 15,000 miles of cruising. If that's the case then I don't expect to see high winds for another 10 years. This is our fourth major storm in six months. More than 90 percent of our sailing so far has been done with shortened canvas in winds stronger than 25 mph. Warming weather is slowly bringing life back to the dock. Minor repairs are underway all around us. The afternoon dockside cocktail hours have resumed, although noon is a little early for us to partake (Kita has usually just finished school and we're on the to-do list). At times we feel like there is a secret force conspiring against us leaving Titusville, Florida. The storm delayed the awning people and the task of having the fuel filtered. The washer/dryer is installed, but dead. I finally canceled the order for the wind generator that was placed January 17 and was to be shipped out the next day. The list is short, but departure from this marina seems a long way away. With any good luck, Thursday will be our departure date. With any more bad luck, who knows?