Squall Learning Curve is Steep

Well, here we are at season 2 and back in the Bahamas. I started this blog last year with every intention of posting regularly. There was always something else that needed my attention first, but I have finally committed to trying…..
Now, back to your normally scheduled broadcast.
I currently reside on achor at Cat Island and am excited to sail tomorrow back to Little Farmers Cay.
I have experienced much over the 3 months I’ve been back, from learning our new main sail to surviving a squall. I want to touch on the squall experience. TERRIFYING!!!! Sailing from Little Farmers Cay toward Georgetown we didn’t reef our main sail in time and tore our Jib. The winds peaked at 27 knots and the waves were 8-10 feet hitting broadside when attempting to spill wind! Wind pushing us toward shore and sharp jagged rocks, throughly drenching freezing cold rain coming down in sheets I fought with the helm for 3 hours with eyes the size of dinner plates and hands clenched on the wheel. I reached safety getting out of that storm escaping through Adderley Cut by Rutter Cut Cay exhausted and counting my blessings.I learned much from that sobering near death adventure. I learned that when you see dark clouds approaching and you think you should reef – reef….. IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD REEF — REEF!!!!! My mind and body are still recovering from the trauma. I understand some individuals would have left this lifestyle experiencing this but I figure either I’m tough or stupid or both – I haven’t decided.
Tonight the weather app has forecasted 27 knots of wind and there are 20 boats with us here at the somewhat protected anchorage at Cat Island. So, we all batten down the hatches and get ready for the blow tonight. Tentatively looking forward to tomorrows crossing of 50 miles back to Little Farmers Cay. Wish me luck.