We arrived at the start line along with more than 200 boats of all sizes.  We were scheduled with the 3rd group to start at 2:20 pm & we crossed the start line under full sail.  The winds were steady & the sailing was great. All afternoon weather & nav info were checked &  all had a turn at the wheel.  As the sun went down the crew were all tired but in great spirits.  Watches began at 6pm, 4 hours on & 4 off, 2 crew on deck at all times.  Under an overcast sky, we settled in for the night, keeping watch on a storm heading our way.

At  6:15 am friday with Rod, Skip & David on deck, the storm arrived, we were not ready.  Winds over 50 knots hit the sails. Main and mizzen were blown apart & the boat was knocked down almost to the rail.  All below decks not tied down, including Linda and Vini were thrown across the cabins.
The race was on to lower & secure all sails & lines.  Rod started the engine & worked to keep the boat into the wind while Vini, Skip & David strained to stay upright and deal with all that had to be done. The crew did an excellent job of securing everything on deck. Skip was hit in the eye by loose sail snapping & sustained broken bloodvessels. It looked & felt awful but thankfully was not serious.  All had strained muscles & big bruises. Being attached to jack lines by tethers kept everyone on board.  We had survived our first storm at sea.
Finishing the race with one sail was not possible. About 7:30 am, under engine power Rod set a course for Freeport. With high winds & ruff seas the passage was exausting for an already weary crew.