In Heavy Weather Sailing, Adlard Coles defines a survival storm, as distinct from a full gale, as those conditions in which, the wind at Force 10 or above and perhaps gusting at hurricane strength, wind and sea become the masters; there is little the unfortunate mariner can do. It is impossible for anyone in a small boat in the middle of an ocean storm to judge wind-speed or sea-state accurately, if only because the height of eye will be too low to see enough of the sea surface. However, an experienced observer will be able to distinguish between storm-force and gale-force winds and if he knows his craft well enough he will sense when she has become at the mercy of the seas. In precisely these terms I believe Jester to have experienced a survival storm in the vicinity of 48° 30′ N., 12° 30′ W. on 1 August 1986. She was on her way back from Nova Scotia to Plymouth, some 25 days out, 250 miles from her destination. It was her thirteent transatlantic crossing.