I am writing this on my night shift. It's 2:30 and we have just been listening to a series of broadcasts from the Coast Guard to sailing vessel Trouble...apparently appropriately named. Through their SPOT locator beacon, they have informed the fleet that they are taking on water. Sailing today versus ten years ago is much more sophisticated. Many more Safety tools. Through VHF ( short distance radio signal) and a device called AIS, they quickly located the vessel. Calls for assistance placed to all vessels near by.

It's now 3:30 AM...USCG helicopter is in vacinity..hailing S/V Trouble. USCG continues calls for the vessel and is notifying vessels for assistance. All within one hour of distress call.

Through my Satellite phone, my son Seth has recommended a revised course, around Hatteras, down the coast to avoid 25 to 30 knot winds on our nose. From NOAA Gulf Stream data, he found a shorter, more southern route through the Stream. El Niño seems to be kicking in. For one week now, the bands of rain and wind have moved from the Gulf of Mexico to Hatteras. We have great info to dodge it. However, it's an art, not a science!