we checked the weather before we started the race and the front was supposed to move through before we hit it. unfortunately, it took a day and a half to reach where the front was at the time of the weather report and it had stalled. i was not concerned that we would have problems in the storm. it was more of an issue of comfort. the boat was completely seaworthy and we were never concerned about losing the boat. we were prepared for what we ran into. we had even replaced the rigging prior to the race.

by the way, good point on the helmets, but what good is avoiding a spinal injury if you crush your skull in the process? the statistics are with me on this one. helmets save lives, just as seatbelts and life jackets do.