Full Ride back in 70-80mph winds in real time

This was our trip back after coving out for a few hours. 5 minutes prior when we left the cove, it was blue skies. Boy did they turn quick. A weather station on the shoreline along our route read 77.3mph winds speeds and it definitely felt like it. The wind started at our starboard beam. When I knew we were about to turn downwind, I turned upwind to give my sister and brother-in-law, who were on the aft sun-bed, the opportunity to get in the cabin as to not get pelted by the wind driven rain. They said “no, just get us home!” When we turned down wind it was 3ft wind chop which is extremely rare at Lake of the Ozarks. When we were making the last turn to head into the docks is when the windows started fogging over make visibility essentially zero in the cabin. We scramble to get the towels to wipe off the fog so I could finally see again. Threading the needle to get between the wave break and a dock with 70 mph at the bow is not something you get a chance to practice. Time slowed down and sounds started fading, I could feel my heart beating. We made it through. I took a deep breath that was cut short when the wind started to take the bow off to the port side. “Focus!” Is what my inner monologue is saying. Next step, getting in the slip. The voice in my head reminds me to not worry about the boat and just get everyone in safe. Bow Thruster is on. It’s go time. As soon as I start to turn in, the wind grabs the bow and I know I’m short of the slip. I turn to starboard and grab a whole lot of reverse and get the bow thruster moving. Somehow this works. I’ve the the bow in the slip. We’re going in, straightened the wheel put it in forward. We rush to get the lines on before the wind blows us back out of the slip. We’re home safe! There’s laughter, there’s hugs, there’s pure disbelief in what just happened. But we’re all thankful to be back. It’s hard to believe that, what is now referenced to as LOTO Hurricane 2026, there were no reports of capsized vessels nor any serious injuries while on the water during this storm. ‪@AxoparBoats‬ Thank you for building a vessel capable of getting my family home safe during these conditions. Most other boats sought shelter but the Axopar allowed us to get home. The boat was shockingly stable even with 70mph wind on the beam. #surdykeyamaha #LOTO #axopar #lotohurricane2026