Casey does a great job detailing the technical aspects of the Storm, but let me shed some light on our emotional reaction - it was scary. And not only for what it was, but because the southern ocean storms have been (rightly) described to us at length in the books and guides we studied in preparation for this passage and personal accounts from southern ocean sailors we've met who have harrowing tales to tell with much hardier craft than ours. So, as with human nature, the anticipation of a thing is often worse than the actual thing. But now that we've been through it, I KNOW what this "thing" looks like, feels like, smells like, etc, and there is new perspective. I'll not look at gales with the same dread now that I've seen what is worse. Those seas that I thought looked like mountains when it's blowing 25-30 knots now look like molehills. I've seen the mountain a 50 knot wind brings. This does not mean I need to see a hurricane in order to not fear the storm, but I guess if I did (and lived) that would make a difference too. The other thing this Storm reinforced to me (rather, proved to me) is the strength of the boat. Santa Magdalena is a tough one! The dodger took a dive, but it was built for breezy trade winds in the Caribbean. A few other minor casualties, but the boat kept us safe. I also see that we have the right tools, such as the series drogue, to weather a storm like this. (You drag the series drogue behind the boat in high winds to slow her down so 1) she doesn't surf down a wave and hit the water like a concrete wall and 2) to discourages the tall waves from breaking over the boat.) I gave a month of my life last season sewing 122 small parachutes and splicing them into the long line that produced the series drogue that I prayed we'd never have to use. But, when Casey looked in my eyes from the cockpit and said "get the drogue", it went from concept to reality in record time. And, WOW, what a feeling to see that it worked! Then, there's Casey who inspires confidence and courage beyond what I could ever muster up on my own. I am a denial girl - that won't happen to us - while he is a realist who is always mentally weighing all possible scenarios and outcomes, ready to respond with calculated coolness. As the worst may not be astern, we are grateful for the tests that make us more prepared than ever to face what comes. (as I write, we are becalmed in the Southern Ocean - really?)