Hi gang, May I add..... Not only does the Captain have to be experienced - been there, .....done that before, but; the ship has to be properly prepared for heavy weather sailing as well. - dogged down sail lockers with gaskets under the lids so that lockers can't open, and water can't get in if you have a knockdown - main companionway hatch also securely fastened so that it can't slide open. (with hatch boards in place) - items in cabin properly stowed so that they can't go flying if the boat is knocked flat - proper life jackets (automatically inflatable) with safety lines and carabiners fastened to a very secure point Oh, and there is a big difference in being out in regular ocean waves, or if you are in a highly confused area of sea caused by the confluence of two tidal flows. ...but this is where the Captain's knowledge and skill enters the picture. What is a safe but uncomfortable passage for the experienced and prepared Captain and crew can be a Mayday situation for a beginning sailor. Connie