The squall

squall |skwɔːl|

noun

1 a sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet: low clouds and squalls of driving rain.

2 a loud cry: he emitted a short mournful squall.

Today we experienced the first squall of the summer. They always arrive unannounced, and bring so much concentrated power making for a short period of time. The squalls serve as humbling experiences and as reminders that all seafarers are fragile at the hands of the sea. The squall we experienced today was extraordinary to the once I have experienced previously. It lasted longer than what I have previously experienced, and as a consequence the visibility decreased to almost nothing. With reefed main sail and jib we powered through gusts of 48 knots of wind at a speed of above 9 knots. Before the squall arrived the speakers had been filling the surroundings with happy reggae music. When the squall caught up to our boat the roar of the wind and the rain aggressively deafened all music. After that there was a solemn silence provided by the deafening noise of nature herself. Everything was quiet, and we all scanned the horizon for boats and dangers, or even land. Aaron, as the proficient skipper that he is, safely steered the boat through the intense wind. At points we would see a vessel or two in the distance that in reality was fairly close. None of the vessels we saw had their sails up. This squall was by far one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had, and it made me even more humble for sea. If you have not seen the movie “White Squall” I highly recommend it. We show it to our students so that they can understand why weather is so important to respect.

Current location: Great Harbour of Peter Island, BVI: 18°19’75’’ N 64°33’77’’W