It would be hard to imagine a day at sea with greater contrasts. Only 14 hours ago I was planing down huge waves with my stom jib only; now we are close hauled in only 5 knots of breeze. Early morning saw fierce rain, all afternoon has been absolutely cloudless. What was most fearsome of last nights gale was not so much the wind, it was the waves. They came from all over the place, all breaking. There was a high swell from a southwesterly direction, maybe some 4 meters high, then there was swell from a southeasterly direction (from 'my' wind, before the front came through). And then there was 40 to 50 knots of wind from the north, rapidly creating it's own wave pattern. The resultant mix was truly impressive. There was no moon, it was pitch dark. And all the crests lighted as if they were being put in a spotlight from underneath. Most beautiful, and at the same time, fearsome, was a big wave from the southwest breaking. The crest would be blown right back over the top of the wave. And if you were unlucky enough to sail right on top of a wave from the southwest, and it broke, the whole crest would be blown over the boat from behind. Truly spectacular, but it also makes you feel very, very humble. And, as time went by, ever more proud of my little boat, who handled it so well.

All along during the day the wind moderated, as did the waves. And now we are sailing with the light weather sails up, trying not to get becalmed in this cell of high pressure.

We shall see what happens next...

Bart

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