I went to an interesting talk the other night at the Little Ship Club. David & Jackie Peers were talking about their experience in the Philippines when they were in the direct path of Typhoon Haiyan.

Their advice – if you are in a port – get off the boat. There is very little you can do to save your boat against the forces of nature, so you are best to do as much as you can to prepare your boat for the worst conditions, but it just isn’t worth risking your life by staying on board.

So that got me thinking about what one should do if a hurricane/cyclone/typhoon is forecast. What is the best way of preparing the boat?

In Port

Some marinas may specify that boats have to evacuate from the marina, to avoid the boats from destroying the marina and each other. Your safe haven may not be so safe if they kick you out!

• If you can stay in a marina, check the piles, cleats, and piers. Are they strong enough to withstand the storm?
• Aim to dock your boat with the bow pointing in to the wind/waves.
• Check your lines, add springs, and ideally the lines should be as long as your boat. Spread the loads to other cleats and piles, your boat should end up looking like a spider in the middle of a web.
• Consider storm surge, will your lines cope with the higher water level?
• Check your neighbours. If they break loose then who are they going to smash in to?
• Add chafing protection to your lines and lots of fenders.

In a Canal, River or Hurricane Hole

If you are able to move inland up a river or canal then this could be a good option to protect you from strong waves. However what about if the river floods and debris is washed down?

If you are able to find a snug hole you can use lines and chain to make a web, positioning your boat in the centre. Having chain or weights positioned on the line can counter the storm surge, and help keep your boat positioned in the centre.

• Ensure what you are tying off to is strong enough
• Use chain at the ends and strong rope on the boat, enabling you to easily adjust the lines if you are on board.

On a Mooring

Moorings can be a good option as they usually mean less things to hit but check:

• When it was last surveyed
• The size of the block and chain
• The depth
• Swing room and proximity to other boats.

At Anchor

There are various anchor set-ups for storms, all will depend on the conditions and how much room you have. Options include deploying in a line or at 120 degree angles to one another.

• Increase the scope – preferably 10 x the depth of water
• Have as much chain out as possible
• Add extra chafing gear
• Check your swing room, depth and any other hazards downwind
• Consider storm surge
• What is the holding like? Hard sand, clay and mud will hold better than shells and soft mud.

Hauling Out

Apparently boats stored ashore are supposed to be safer than those still in the water, although this is not always the case! It could be an option to consider.

• Add extra stands and chain them together
• Consider storm surge – could the waves come ashore to the yard?

Other things to consider

• Chafe protection. Lines under pressure will soon chafe through without adequate protection. Heavy canvas like used fire hoses are good options.
• Add thimbles to eye splices to reduce wear.
• Have plenty of long, large, stretchy lines on board
• Check your boat cleats have strong backing plates on them
• Avoid overloading a single cleat, spread the loads around the boat.
• Reduce windage – remove biminis, sails, solar panels, life rings, the dinghy.
• Lash the boom down
• Arrange the halyards to reduce flogging.
• Close and lock all hatches
• Block up all ventilation, dorades etc.
• Check the bilge pumps
• Ensure all paper is up high so it won’t get wet and clog the bilge pumps
• Stow all loose items
• Remove all electronics, important documents, medication, personal items, clothing, portable fuel tanks
• Make sure your batteries are fully charged.

Have a plan in your mind and purchase the equipment required well in advance. Chandleries could be far away or sell out of essential equipment at the last minute.

Act early to get everything in order and then leave the boat before the weather prevents you from doing so.

Do you have any other great tips for preparing your boat for a storm (if you are in port)?