Richard Costain

Heading out of Cowes into SSW wind of roughly 16 knots (anemometer not reliable as it had taken damage the previous journey). Beat to the needles then rounded towards st cats. rolling seas out into the channel so made decision to come in slightly. after st cats sea state calmer but still variable. on the home straight making good speed on a close haul port tack. roughly 2 M from finish a squal with winds in excess of 30 knots hit. reefs put into main and gib. then lightning and thunder followed by loss of all wind and heavy rain. wind also veered to no come from wsw-w making for a beat to the finish.