1600 we leave the Dry Tortugas on a course of 227 degrees next stop 300 nm away Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Each of us had a 4 hour watch, at the end of Nancy's watch which ended at midnight we noticed lightning and a squall coming toward us. About 1AM it hit us with full force head on 30-40 mph winds. Our sails were down and power was up as we srashed though the ebony night pitching and rolling in the rain and 14ft seas. At one point I saw a 14ft. wave coming down on us and I swear it had a huge claws and angry teeth.
Although we thought we were battened down below for what erver came our way, Nancy had her hands full. If it wasn't bolted down it was flying. Good news, we only lost the coffee and sugar containers which I bought at a yard sale for a buck.
Within 4 hours the skys became light again with the light of the moon, but the seas remained angry and confused. The wind shifted and we continued into 15kt winds and heavy seas. Tradewinds never went off course as she handeled every punishing blow with grace and determination.