Indeed it is, but since they were localized they probably didn't really build up the waves other than just local wind waves. Said they had just the stays'l up with the engine on at the time. The stays'l's not that big relative to the size and displacement of an H54, so if he felt the need to run off to reduce the load, then there must have been a lot of wind.

The Gribs I downloaded show current seas in the 3.1-3.6 meter range. Tom said they are every bit 10' with bigger ones now, but again stretching out and less steep.