Éric describes a rather spectacular situation. Behind him, an enormous 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 monitoring the clouds as they develop and adjusting his course to maintain a safe margin. He first took down his spinnaker, then hoisted his jib, a more sensible sail configuration in conditions that could deteriorate rapidly. He also put a reef in his mainsail before shaking it out when the wind proved lighter than expected.
These adjustments might seem routine, but they take on a whole new dimension when sailing alone in the middle of the ocean. Every sail change requires planning and attention, especially when thunderstorm cells can develop so quickly. For Éric, the priority isn't gaining a few tenths of a knot, but getting through this area without any nasty surprises.
And then there are the little details of everyday life 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 it gets you wet!" An obvious observation, delivered with the same sense of humor that has accompanied Éric since his departure from La Rochelle.
Our sailor is therefore continuing toward Guadeloupe with one priority: keeping his catamaran safe while making progress westward. Day 15 is a reminder that, even in the tropics, crossing the Atlantic isn't always a straight-line affair!
