By Lisa and Ann

Lesson 1: When the grib says there is a low there – believe it is really a low, and not just a No Low. And just because the grib file doesn’t have the bright red colors near the low, don’t assume it won’t pack a punch!

Lesson 2: Don’t get too cocky reading your grib files thinking you can just skirt the southern edge of the low and dance on by. The gribs aren’t that meticulously accurate out here in the middle of the ocean – and things can change in a matter of hours. Give the Low plenty of space when passing by.

Lesson 3: Get Captain Bob out of bed sooner than later. We cut it just a little too close last night – waiting to wake up Bob as the wind and waves grew. We were trying to give him as much sleep as possible, but could have had some nasty ramifications had we waited much longer. Since Ann and I don’t know the boat, nor have the strength to handle the boat like Bob can – we need to be a bit more conservative next time and rustle him out of bed sooner rather than later. We got very lucky last night!

Lesson 4: Heaving to can be a good thing! And actually much more relaxing than fighting the storm. Ann and I actually enjoyed a cold beer together at 2:30 in the morning once we hove to and got settled in.

Lesson 5: Never drink a beer at 2:30 in the morning when you are working the bucket brigade. Makes for a short night of sleep, and another trip through the salon and up the companion way just to get rid of it at 6am!