We were about 30 miles off shore, no sign of weather on chart plotter.  We noticed dark skies to our West and started to head back towards the pass. Unfortunately the weather caught up to us quickly and lightning was striking all around the boat.  Winds increased dramatically and seas became 5 to 6 feet within minutes with no time period in between   We have a 22 foot center console so it became pretty sketchy quick.  We put on our life vests and called for a mayday and activated the ResQlink.  I received a call within 10 minutes, however, we kept on and limped back in to the pass safely.  We were unsure how it was all going to play out and it was certainly comforting to know we had help immediately if needed it.