Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill
This captivating video is of a 55 foot pilot boat in force 10 winds. Pilot boats are used as transports to ferry pilots between land and the larger ships they are piloting. They're built to withstand heavy seas and a thrashing against the hulls of tanker ships. High powered and brightly colored, they make for an exciting and artistic display of sway and beauty on one of the most powerful forces on earth; an angry ocean.
Most of us have experienced challenging weather at one time or another. Among the most challenging is piloting a boat in rough seas with low visibility. This video was filmed in force 10 winds, as defined by the Beaufort Wind Scale, which typically present 20 plus foot, 8 meter waves that roll with overhanging crests and densely blown foam.
I hope you enjoy watching this video as much as I do. At the very least it's a reminder to avoid heavy seas at all costs and at most, a masterpiece of adept, confident boat handling skills. Compliments to the captain and pilots that do this for a living and the boats that can take it!
William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book, Lubber's Log published by Llumina Press; a boating primer and adventure story about a couples experiences in moving up to a bigger boat.
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