Send in the clowns

Last night we were in for a bit of a rough ride. The wind picked up to
40 kts and we hit a new speed of 18.2 kts. Mostly we were doing just
fine with a little bit of headsail out and a long line dragging behind
us. This kept us at a nice pace with the big swells as they lift us up
from behind and hurtle us down their sides. Our stern is heavily loaded
with fuel and the line also helps to keep our rudders in the water. Now
and then though we would catch a sideways swell and instinctively the
boat would just follow where the swell is leading, surfing down at great
speed. Everything that is not properly secured will fly and the G-forces
created as the boat gets down to the bottom of the wave and turn around
to surf the other way is immense. Your whole body tenses up and everyone
is normally up after such a spell to see that everything and everyone is
ok. A rogue wave also smashed into Nick's cabin. He had his hatch open
only slightly. I had to quickly stop writing as we were just taken for
the quickest surf yet. The water was boiling over our bows when I ran
out to take the helm in case we loose control. By that time we
wer already slowing down at 21 kts, I guess we were doing 25 or over.
Steven is busy cleaning the inside of the boat a bit and commented that
it is quite an adrenalin rush. My stomach is still tight and my fingers
slightly shaky. Yet the sea is relatively calm, blowing a gentle 17 to
20 kts, and we are prepared for up to double that. Just now and then one
of those waves come through that shakes the living daylights out of
you. Back to Nic's cabin, he got completely flooded while he was asleep.
To much laughter and chirping from Eduard and Steven he did some damage
control and proceeded to sleepin the saloon. It has happened a few times
to Eduard, so I guess he could for a change be laughing.

Fishing story for the day is that we left our one lure out last night
through the rough stuff, and this morning when we retrieved it the hook
was bent open! These hooks are round circle hooks, #9 size and really
strong. The first time I saw one bent open. Must have been a big marlin
again. Will definately take a photo of it for when I want to look back
one day to back in the days. We are only 130nm from the Panama Canal
Yacht Club where we will tie up for a while. We expect to arrive at the
port entrance at about 8am tomorrow and will start making arrangement
for the transit with our agent who will meet us at the PCYC.

Our position at 10am is 10*27'N/078*11'W. Nautical in origin ,'Stand'. A
ship will stand in towards the land, stand off a port, stand in with
another vessel when sailing together, and stands by in case of trouble.
The word has come ashore, people also stand-by, stand their ground,
stand in favour, becomestand-offish, or simply like to know how they
stand.

Have a great week

Captain Paul