This reduces the chances of getting caught in the lull behind the squall. Sailing as deep as you can on port keeps the boat in the strongest wind for the longest time. If you are on the northwest side of the direction of travel on port jibe, then the opposite is true. The wind will veer approaching the direction of travel on port pole. This is OK too, as long as you stay on port pole as the squall moves away.
Wind speeds can exceed double the value of normal trade winds.
So if you are observing 20 kt trade winds, then you can expect an average of 40 kts in or near the squall. Squalls are stronger as night advances due to more cooling at the cloud tops raising instability. Although it is not likely that a tropical cyclone will adversely affect yachts sailing in the Pacific Cup Race, it is a good idea to review this valuable information wherever sailing in the tropics. In the Northern Hemisphere, tropical cyclone season begins in June and ends in November. Most of the activity occurs in August and September.