It was supposed to be another so so day. It was for most of the day wind wise. We hung out at vela after a late start to the morning. We used big gearfor the early afternoon, 6.5 sails and 120 liter boards. Then this giantrain cloud, actually dark thunder head appeared from the east moving towards us. You could just tell it had wind. The closer it got the windier it became. The Vela gang got very nervous and tried to get everyone in on the beach, but it looked to good for passing up. I went outon a 102 and a 5.8 and was blown off the water. The locals all went out on 70/80 litres and 4.7 to 5.0's. You could see the see spray out in the distance and thewavesgetting big. Chris and John went out too, on smaller stuff after I came in breifly. I would say it was 30-40 knots for about half hour. Then as quickly as it appeared, the storm moved on and the wind shut off. It was an amazing out of control half hour of sailing. Everyone was hooting and high fiveing! After, we hung out at the Vela bar and had 2 for 1 drinks. About five we came back to the hotel for a beer and chips by the pool, and showerbefore going out to a group dinner at El Tigre. The restaurant was a local place serving dominican food. You would never go there at home. Think back alleydive, no AC, the power was out when we arrived (rolling black-outs on the island) and no moving air (felt like 100 degrees inside). Motor cycles and cars putting by (itwas on a busy street in a poor neighborhood) And we had to take motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) to get to and from. The meal was slowin coming (dominican time remember) so we had time to get to know a few new members t the 18 person group. Jeff on Holiday from Australia, tom from Jacksonville, FL, A few new folks (two Docs and wife) from Colorado anda couple from Holland. Add in the Swiss Girls, The french coople and the Detroit boys and it was quite a group. The Dominican music fired up and the dancing started after dinner and several drinks. It wasprobably the best evening the staff had had in a long time. They Gave us several rounds of the local dominican sugar rum to to grease the wheels. We even had the waitress and some locals dancing. It was a memorable evening. Not something you would ever experience at home. After El Tigre, we went to Ohno's bar on the beach for pitchers of frozen drinks, as we were drenched in sweat from the heat. And hour and several pitchers later we were exhausted and in need of AC and sleep. Better wind tomorrow!