Considering that the Weather Channel is intimating that the ingredients are out there for a somewhat attenuated version of ‘The Perfect Storm’ of 1991 – I thought I might relate a few lessons I learned whilst sailing on the fringes of that storm on Halloween 1991:

1. One must keep ones eyes on the horizon at all times.
2. One must not draw galley duty for breakfast.
3. There is no such thing as a leeward side in such a storm.
4. Taking the helm is a good thing.
5. Cinnamon and Honey Oatmeal tastes the same in both directions.
6. A good captain never shows fear. And we had a very good captain.
7. One cannot respond to distress calls when one is being blown backwards at full throttle.
8. Keeping the helm is the best thing of all.
9. Pizza is the food of the gods once one has entered a safe haven.
10. The shower stall ceases to move and the bed ceases to spin when the swells have been that big.
11. One should throw those sea sickness pressure point bands away as they are very very bad.
12. One should never read any book entitled ‘The Perfect Storm.’
13. But it’s a really good book. So read it anyway.

That’s all. May all the ships at sea be safe – as well as all those on shore.