Richard Hudson reports a force 9 Severe Gale (on the Beaufort scale). That suggests mean wind of 44 knots, gusting 20% higher. He wisely headed beyond the continental shelf - to deeper water - where the waves are not as steep and are farther apart. 7 - 10 meters is what the scale predicts, according to Go Vision Quest - who do not recommend doing it single handed, like Richard did.
This shot was taken after the storm. He is safe in port now on the Rio Plata - near Montevideo, Uruguay.
