As I read that I get a sense of helplessness that is frightening. Being at the complete mercy of forces beyone anyone's control is not my strong suit. In my civilian experience I have never felt that way, the closest being in very high winds and whiteout conditions where I knew I could always simply hunker down and stay warm until it was over.

And, come to think of it, I've felt it in high heat conditions, where there was nowhere to get away from it. Even then, though, one knew one could find some shade and simply wait until night time. Except for once I had plenty of water.

That time was in Northern California when I didn't carry water when I left my overnight site. That was a dry site and we drank what we had and left. The dog and I had enough to carry, and the map and GPS showed three places along the way where there was water. All three were dry. Along about 3:30 PM we crossed a road which had a wide spot with a fire truck parked in it. I asked those guys for water for the dog, and they gave us a lot. Last time I trusted the goddamned maps.

I do not envy you your sail. I would have crawled first. Or had a lot of experience on the seas, which I will never get. Congratulations on a helluva experience.