Jolly boating weather

Last night, approaching the northern margins of the Doldrums, the North Atlantic delighted with a meteorological spectacle. With water temperature approaching 30℃ and an atmosphere charged with energy, the ‘weather gods’ put on quite a show. We were able to witness the development of multiple intense, localised, storm cells. The dark underbelly and towering cumuliform structure of the cloud formations dominated the sky in all directions. Issuing from below the squalls came short bursts of intense rainfall accompanied by strong variable winds, necessitating an immediate reduction in sail area and causing the voyage crew to hurry below in search of foul weather gear. These storms, the product of atmospheric instability, form as a result of strong convective activity generating marked, localised, pressure differentials, hence the powerful, squally, winds that both challenged and delighted those on the helm. To add to the drama, repeated lightning flashes helped to illuminate the darkening sky.

And then suddenly it is over (until the next storm cell).

We have been accompanied by these squalls all day, although nothing as dramatic as last night. According to the Skipper, this is quite normal for our current latitude. For a ‘first-timer’ the experience is engaging, reminding us of the power of the sea and the vulnerability of the sailor. For Europa it is just another day at the office.

“Two…… six…..”