In last month's e-newsletter, the Conservancy shared the story of a recent visit to the SS United States by former crew member Thomas McGuire. While aboard, McGuire spoke about his most memorable crossing, Voyage 359, which encountered a strong storm and heavy waves.
After reading the story, Hampton Roads Chapter Co-Chair Stanton Daywalt dove deep into the Conservancy's archives and shared this Position Report dated January 14, 1968, showing winds at Force 10 on the Beaufort Scale. Force 10 conditions have an estimated wind speed of 48-55 knots (55-63 mph), with very high waves with long overhanging crests.
Daywalt further noted that the resulting foam would have been blown in dense white streaks along the direction of the wind. The surface of the sea would have appeared surreal and white.
As McGuire shared during his recent visit to the ship, the waves were so strong he could see the ship twisting when he looked down the long passageways. The experience convinced him that the SS United States was the most seaworthy vessel the world has ever seen.