What precaution did the narrator and the captain take when huge waves struck the boat on 2jan?

As the narrator realised that disaster awaited further ahead, he took precautions by slowing the boat down. They dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across the stern. Then everything was double-lashed, they went through the life-raft drill, attached lifelines, donned oilskins and life jackets, finally waiting for what was in store for them.