Nighttime storm tests seamanship in 2019 race

Skippers reported 35-knot gusts near the island’s eastern shore, with teams hoving-to briefly to reset before pressing on toward the north turn.

Takeaways from the storm

• Early reef calls paid dividends as the front arrived
• Several boats logged pan-pan calls for torn sails but continued safely
• Morning brought clear skies and fast reaching to the finish