We seem to have survived this first ostar gale! Shortly after midnight, the wind veered to north, and within 20 minutes reached 40 knots. Then the wind slowly increased to a screaming level, with a top at 52 knots, and a few hours where it didn't come below 45. This was accompanied by a very confused sea, every crest of which broke and tossed De Franschman about, sometimes completely submerging her. As usual during trying conditions, the boat behaved exemplary! All I had to do hold on tight inside the cabin (hermetically closed) and fear for icebergs. There was no way I could have seen anything more then a boat length away. The sea was white all round, and so high that the crests of surrounding waves blocked all view. The barometer went from 77.6 to 75.3 and back to 76.8 (cm Hg), all in a few hours!

And now the wind will drop until almost nothing, as a result of a small ridge of high pressure. So we must not waste time and go make more sail, as the wind at the moment is 'only' a force 7.

Bart

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