A message from Stephen Davies - 6 October 2020 (for Jon and the
team):
Jon has hit what looks to be a severe trough, much like the
Queen's Birthday Storm in 1994. That storm caused what is
believed to be New Zealand's largest marine rescue operation.
Seven yachts were abandoned, twenty people rescued, and one yacht
lost with all three crew members. You can read more and see images
of that storm at https://www.rutgerson.se/discover/queens-birthday-storm/.
Wind speeds exceeded 60-65kts (120kms per hour) at which point
the anemometer ceased to function. We are hoping Jon has
experienced the worst of the storm although he is still being hit
hard. Consequently, Jon has had to alter course to ride out the
storm. He is now heading northwest rather than west to
Bundaberg.
