FatChanceRow Update June 24

We took a real beating last night with many side waves breaking over us. The winds are already up around 20knots (730am) and our weather forecaster just warned us that they will build up more to 25 and 30 knots today. I just can't get up the courage to face the waves this morning, as I know I'll get knocked off deck by them. I get a pit in my stomach just thinking about it. It's hard to get out there knowing what is waiting for me. Our boat design is different than most in that it's carbon with a round bottom.This makes the boat faster, but it's less stable. We also sit just at the waterline, and unlike most ocean rowing boats, we have no side protection, so side waves come in and hit us rather than breaking on the side of the boat. I'm small enough that I don't manage to stay on my seat for most of the side waves, though Sami does. Lots of water came in the cabin through our air vents last night, so we have little puddles in our sleeping bags and mattress. Sally Sneakers are holding up well and providing some stability, she's performing much better than the Salmon. We have agreed to hunker down for an hour or so to see if the waves die down a bit before we get back on the oars. Needless to say, we are a bit demoralized today and are really looking forward to some days without side breaking waves!