[jjcm]

I've done open ocean crossings in canoes between the hawaiian islands, so I can answer from experience.

Don't think of these waves like the ones you encounter at shore. Open ocean waves are moving mountains.

It isn't this: /(

It's this:

        .,-~^^~-,.    
  ___.-/          \-.__

[_doctor_love]

Seriously credit to you on that ASCII art. I grew up sailing and you captured it beautifully. Well done.