You are offshore in Force 7 (28-33 knots). Describe the sea state and practical implications for a 35ft yacht

A. Force 7 is equivalent to a moderate breeze — comfortable sailing for a 35ft vessel with full sail

B. Near gale: waves 4-5.5m (well-developed seas), foam from breaking crests blown in streaks, some spume. Practical: most 35ft yachts should be well reefed (storm jib + deep reefed main or trysail); steering demands are high; crew fatigue accelerates; MOB recovery is extremely difficult; cook below is dangerous

C. Waves in Force 7 are 1-2m — comparable to a Force 4 in wave height

D. Force 7 only affects vessels below 20ft — 35ft yachts are unaffected

A. Barometric tendency only matters above Force 6 — below that, pressure changes have no predictive value

B. A rapid fall (>6 hPa in 3h is defined as "very rapid" in MET Office guidance) indicates an approaching vigorous depression — imminent deterioration. Seek shelter, shorten sail, check position and proximity to lee shores, and reassess the passage plan immediately

C. A fall of 6 hPa in 3h is insignificant — barometric changes only matter over 24h

D. This indicates a high pressure system building — expect improving conditions

A. Occluded fronts always bring fog and light winds

B. An occlusion only forms in tropical waters — not relevant to UK sailing

C. Formed when a cold front catches a warm front — the warm sector is lifted off the surface. An occlusion brings a prolonged period of disturbed weather with cloud, rain, and variable winds; the warm sector advantages (relatively settled weather) are lost

D. An occluded front is a front that has weakened and no longer has significant weather