As darkness fell, the wind built and the thunder heads started to appear. Reigh drove the boat between 2 thunderheads recording a maximum speed of 24.6 knots of boatspeed. Although this sounds really fast, try doing it blindfolded. That is how dark it was. At one point, they where 11 miles offshore, the waves where running 12-14 feet totally obliterating any horizon to steer by. Also, due to the overcast sky, there was no moon or no stars to navigate with. Just feel and the GPS to check your position on once and a while (GPS courtesy of Radioworld).

At one point they where surfing down a big wave and nothing but whitewater in all directions. With just air and froth around the blades (rudders), the boat rounded up and now they found out what socks in a washing machine felt like, as the boat turtled. It took almost 30 minutes to sort out the mess and right the boat again. Don't forget, this was done while you can't see your hand in front of your face. Reigh did use an LED headlamp to assist in what he was doing. (Closed Course with trained professional driver. Don't try this at home. :-)

As they got closer to land, the waves where reduced in size, as it was very confusing to determine which lights on the water where what. You don't have the advantage of going done below to get a chart out and have a good study of it. You have to totally rely on your GPS and memory. In the future, a GPS that had the actual charts in it would be of a distinct advantage for the night legs.

Tonight brings the last night leg, starting at 6PM. We sail to Myrtle Beach, where it is likely Harley Week again (it was this time last year).