Maybe gale winds, force 8

A fine, sunny morning. Flat seas. We read the NavTex weather warnings and listen to the Aberdeen Coast Guard. They agree that strong winds, maybe a gale will meet us out in the North Sea. But more or less following winds aren't so nasty. And look at the calm flat seas! So, armed with new stugeron seasickness tablets, we set sail.

Under lee land we have full sails out, even some motor help. But soon we've put in a reef. Then two. Then pulled down the whole main sail. And half the genoa. We're still roaring along at over 6 knots. We'll be home in no time.
The waves aren't high, but best to spend most of my off-watches in the bunk while waiting for my sea-legs. Soup for dinner.
And busy night-watches with lots of North Sea cargo traffic.

The British oil platforms lighting our way.