Flirting with Felix

In anticipation of the (then) tropical storm "Felix", we secured our ground tackle in the shelter of Chacachacare Island in the company of our friends on 5 other yachts.
A quiet evening was spent awaiting the storm during which we viewed Trinidad's Independence Day fireworks display at Port of Spain; 7 miles to our east.
With 2 anchors set off our bow and a stern line tied to shore we safely rode out the 35 knot winds that blew through the night as "Felix" passed 120 nautical miles north of us at 12.4 degrees North.
As with "Dean" the passing was followed by an extraordinary show of lightning.
We were astounded to note that "Felix" achieved a Category 5 hurricane status, with sustained winds of 165 nautical miles per hour, just 36 hours after it passed north of us as a tropical storm.