So beautiful, yet so destructive…

Sail-World has an article about thunderstorms on their website at present and this photo was amongst a few they showcased. It is one of the most amazing photos I have ever seen.

So beautiful, yet so destructive…

As sailors I am sure we have all had our extreme experiences with being caught in storms. I remember sailing in the 1995 Sabot Nationals on Sydney Harbour and the storm that came through totally eliminated the city from view and wiped out 80% of the 120 strong fleet. It was all over in a matter of minutes.

In December 2004 a storm lasting 2 minutes flattened the yacht club where I work tossing yachts on the hardstand, etchells, dinghies, and even floating marina walkway into the air like a frisbee.

I am facinated by storms. Is this something shared amongst sailors? Is our respect for Mother Nature advanced due to our reliance on what she creates for our sailing events to take place?

Mother Nature - a mother, a woman, a natural wonder.

Storms - violent, devestating, destructive yet beautiful.

Do you see what I see???