But by 17:30 local time, few surfers were willing to go out in the choppy seas.

FORBES: In Larry Ellison's Newport, It's Surf's Up On Irene Eve

The RNLI crew had to contend with choppy seas and strong winds during the three-and-a-half-hour operation to tow the 80-tonne vessel into harbour.

BBC: Lifeboat (gen)

The vehicle's movement, especially over choppy seas, can encourage nausea.

ECONOMIST: Christopher Cockerell