As the low pressure system passes to the south of us we are enjoying a
steady sequence of cumulus clouds, complete with their share of squalls,
rain and even thunder. As the day passed the wind started to ease and the
squalls became less frequent. We became braver and sails were changed -
running with the Yankee 2 and staysail, with 3 reefs in the main. But we
were lulled into a false sense of security - just as I was commenting on how
light the steering was, as if the mermaids were singing softly and enjoying
the ride, a short sharp 60kt squall blew through. I was on the helm and
this little pussycat proved that she can roar like a lion. By the end of it
my knees were shaking, just pleased to have kept Singapore upright. Only
later did I see the wind plots and realise that the gust peaked just short
of 60 knots! The image on Singapore's bow is the traditional Merlion - a
mermaid with the head of a lion - how apt.
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