The Earth Hath No Fury Like a Raging Ocean!

Introduction by William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill


“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.” 
― Christopher Paolini, Eragon

The raw power and fury of a raging ocean never ceases to give me pause.  I am captivated by it's dominion over anything that stands in its way.  Since the beginning of time man has tried to understand the forces that move the sea.  It has killed millions and reaked havoc on ships, beaches and land structures.  It's fickle by nature and even the best computer models can't always predict its behaviors. It has the power to end life and destroy property mercilessly without warning.

Here's a video reminiscent of Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, The Deadliest Catch and The Perfect Storm, displaying the ocean in some of its most capricious, angry moods. The effects of the sun, moon and wind make for some trying times riding the briny bronc and this video is a masterpiece of the spectacle and the formidable foe the ocean can be.

William L. Gills aka Bos'n Bill is the author of the book Lubber's log, published by Llumina Press; a boating journal and adventure story of the author's first time experiences in the preparation, maintenance and piloting of a new, unfamiliar boat.  You can visit his website here.

What Force 10 Winds and Rough Seas Look Like

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.  

You can visit his website here.