Éric describes a pretty spectacular situation. Behind him, a huge thunderstorm cell, initially positioned off to one side of his route, has grown to impressive proportions. On the other side, a second, smaller cell is making navigation even more complicated. Between the two, Skiboo 2 is trying to thread her way through to avoid the most violent squalls.
There's no question of charging straight ahead! Éric is keeping a close eye on the developing clouds and adjusting his course to maintain a safe margin. He first dropped his spinnaker, then hoisted his jib, a more sensible sail configuration in conditions that could deteriorate rapidly. He also put a reef in the mainsail before shaking it out when the wind proved lighter than expected.
These adjustments may seem routine, but they take on a whole new dimension when you're sailing alone in the middle of the ocean. Every sail change requires planning and attention, especially as thunderstorm cells can develop quickly. For Éric, the priority isn't so much gaining a few tenths of a knot as getting through this area without any nasty surprises.
And then there are those little everyday details that remind you you're definitely at sea! Despite the tropical heat, the skipper has dug out his foul-weather jacket. The reason? "When it rains, it's water, and water gets you wet!" An obvious truth delivered with the same humor that has accompanied Éric since his departure from La Rochelle.
Our sailor is continuing toward Guadeloupe with one priority: keeping his catamaran safe while making progress westward. A fifteenth day that reminds us that, even in the tropics, crossing the Atlantic isn't necessarily a straight-line affair!
