I’m currently cruising out of Nootka, I came out of the sound and put up the main double-reefed, with the genoa at about 70%. I was sailing close-hauled for a little bit to get out of the sound, and then bearing off to a close reach. But the sea state is tremendous. It’s probably 3 to 5 metres today. At first it felt like about 20 knots of wind, but it quickly climbed above that. It feels more like 30 knots now. I was quickly overpowered and had to drop the main. Every once in a while I’d get hit broadside by one of these giant waves. I can see them rolling toward me, towering over me, and then duck for cover as they break over the boat. It was exciting to get the main down, clinging to the mast while we plunged through the waves and were buffeted by 30 knots of wind. But I was able to get it down in a number of successive stages, then tie it off and secure the halyard. I furled the genoa to about 30%, and that slowed things down. Jura is handling really well. We were still doing about 5 to 6 knots with just 30% of the genoa out, but it didn’t feel like we were going that fast, so I let out a little more. We’re now probably at about 40% of the genoa, and doing closer to between 6 and 8 knots, which feels much better. I think this is probably the most serious sea state and wind conditions I’ve sailed in, which is a little bit deceiving because it’s a bright, sunny day with a blue sky. When the sky is blue it feels like, what could possibly go wrong? Everything will be nice and tame. But it is a serious ocean out here. I feel quite comfortable now. I’m in the cabin. The autopilot is working at the moment and handling ok. With just the genoa up, Jura is quite balanced. I have it furled enough, and high enough, that I’m not too concerned about waves breaking into it. Waves have definitely been breaking over the bow, and so far the kayak has not filled up with water, so that’s a good sign.