The tradewinds are accompanied by squalls, which in the Pacific are
relatively localized systems that often double the local wind strength for
15 minutes or more. Well, we got a few of them.
Our lightweight A2 spinnaker survived winds up to 30 knots, well beyond the
design spec. We did, however, have a "round down," which is a fairly serious
oopsie where the spinnaker drags the boat around and the boat gybes and then
heels way over, putting the boom in the water and pinning the boat down till
things are resolved.
It's actually a fairly stable configuration, but very noisy and
uncomfortable, so folks act with great urgency to undo it. We released the
mainsail, which had been held in an awkward position by the checkstay, and
worked to get the spinnaker down, as it was flogging the heck out of itself.
With that kite down, we were able to get the boat back upright and get
underway, now with the heavier A4 spinnaker.
"Do squalls come in the daytime?" asked Hawkeye, who shall remain nameless.
"Well," says I, "I suppose, rarely. I am sure I have been in some, and
definitely recall seeing them, but they are rare."
So we got two daytime squalls, handled nicely by Hawkeye's team. Still, WTF,
Hawkeye? What's next, "are there Krakens out here?"
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