Cambio Named Storm Emergency Plan For Eastern Caribbean and USA

Assuming that you can’t get out of the June to November hurricane season that makes the Caribbean dangerous, here are some thoughts about how to prepare for a bigger than normal storm.  This is not a primer, but it is a list of things to consider.  When the stuff hits the fan, it’s easier to use a checklist than remember everything all at once.   Remember that there are thousands or more boats in the Caribbean and most of them survive handily but some don’t, and we see those ones on television. 

One more thing:   The crew are far more important than the boat.  Keep them safe.

We are assuming anchoring out is not an attractive option, although many boats will be doing it. 

Before and on threat of the Named Storm

1. Watch the weather daily. 
2. Use the Starlink wifi to check PredictWind and the NOAA weather forecast or the radio. 
3. When a significant storm is brewing, increase the frequency watching the weather predictions
4. When a possible storm is discovered, prepare the boat
   1. Fill fuel tanks 
      1. Note that tanks hold 80 gallons and burn .7 of a gallon each hour.  This is 114 hours @ about 6 knots which is an engine range of 685 nautical miles on fuel alone.   
      1. Plan on average size of hurricane to be about 260 nm across and moves at about 13 knots.  It usually moves West – Northwest  
         1. Puerto Rico to Grenada is 500 nm and would take ~5 days. 
         1. BVI to Curacao is 680 nm, or ~7 days
   1. Fill water tanks   
      1. Note 120 gallons @ 1 gallon per day per crew = 30 days water for 4 crew members
   1. Check Inventory provisions for the crew for at least 7 days dry goods
   1. Check service points on the motor, fuel, oil filters, fan belt

Named storm threatens:  Immediately:

1. Check for local marinas with hurricane space on dry land. 
2. Check for local marinas with sturdy hurricane docks.
3. Check for deep (more than 12 feet) rivers that might be safe havens
4. Consider a flight away from the predicted path of the storm. 
5. In the Antilles area this is probably South or Southwest.  Almost all storms approach from the East and turn Northward.

Decide on a game plan: 1, 2, 3 or 4.  Involve the crew!  And delegate!

1. Contact marinas for space on the hard
2. Contact marinas for dock space
3. Check for river sanctuary.
4. Prepare a course out of danger (These are not in any order)

Email insurance company with planned response.  Laura@hoogasian.ca

If taking refuge on the hard in a marina

1. First ask which way the opening of the marina faces.  Is it vulnerable to the surges?   Is it safely tucked behind a mountain?
2. Book a place on land and arrange for haulout.  Ensure that the marina has heavy concrete tie-downs.  Be quick.  The marina will fill up almost instantly.
3. Do not plan to tie up to a flimsy dock.  Tidal surge can destroy the dock, drive boats into yours, pound your keel into the bottom and generally ruin your day. 
4. Book a hotel room for the crew.  Everyone else will want to.  Get there first. 
5. Take every scrap of cloth off the deck.  Biminis, cushions, hatch covers, all sails and stow them below.  Deflate and stow dinghy.  Stow dinghy motor below.  Stow antennas (especially starlink) down below.   Basically anything left on deck can blow away.
6. Double the ropes tying the boat down.   More if you have them.

If tying to a marina dock

1. Try to avoid a marina that has the wind blowing directly into the dock area. A bit of shelter goes a long way.
2. Book a hotel room for the crew.  Everyone else will want to.  Get there first. 
3. Ensure that the batteries are full.  Run the motor to charge them if necessary.  So the pumps run.
4. Do not plan to tie up to a flimsy dock.  Tidal surge can destroy the dock, drive boats into yours, pound your keel into the bottom and generally ruin your day. 
5. Take every scrap of cloth off the deck.  Biminis, cushions, hatch covers, all sails and stow them below.  Deflate and stow dinghy.  Stow dinghy motor below.  Stow antennas (especially starlink) down below.   Basically, anything left on deck can blow away.
6. Check all dock lines for chafing.  Add chafe guards.  Lines should be 5/8 thick at least.  Firehoses make good chafe guards.
7. Gather as many dock lines as possible.
8. Is the dock ‘strong’?  Fixed or floating?  Is the dock deep enough to handle storm surge?
9. Put out all fenders (get some more if they are available)
10. Are the boats upwind and to the side well tied?  If anchored boats drag, are they a danger?
11. Attach docklines to the pillars rather than dock cleats if possible. Ensure that the pillars are higher than the gunwales.
12. Tie docklines on both sides, away from the dock deck, if possible. 
13. Double and triple the docklines.  Tie lines forward, aft, spring lines, and spider configuration. 

If taking refuge upriver

1. Bad idea, but if local knowledge suggests it, consider it. 
2. Book the hotel,
3. Tie your boat upriver somewhere safe.
4. Use as many dock lines as you have. 
5. Remember that the storm surge may come up the river and if you have a 6’ draft, you’d need 12’ or more depth to not ruin the keel or bottom of the boat through pounding.  

If getting out of the way

1. Ensure that the batteries are full.  Run the motor to charge them if necessary. 
2. Let people know what your intended course will be.  “People” include the marina staff, other cruisers, coast guard, insurance company, shore team back at home.
3. Calculate the speed, position (of the eye) direction (of the eye), and width from the eye to the edge as frequently as you have information. If the hurricane turns unexpectedly, we want to know as soon as possible and perhaps do a course correction.  Write it down!  (In the log!)
4. Batten down the hatches.  Missing a hurricane doesn’t mean it won’t be windy.    Be prepared to reef quickly or reef early.
5. Establish formal watches of at least 2 people.  Keep them fed and hydrated.
6. Pre-make some meals. 
7. Get the safety equipment on everyone and stay tied on.

Afterward the storm (select which apply)

1. Check all running rigging for chafing.
2. Check all standing rigging that you can reach.  Use a bosuns chair if you can. 
3. Inspect the dodger, bimini, hatch covers etc.  Reinstall them if needed.
4. Check the lifelines, and all the stainless-steel stanchions and other bits.
5. If you can do it safely, check the bottom, propellor, rudder and zincs.   
6. Clean the bilges, let people know the boat and crew are fine.
7. Plot a new course, hopefully with crew involvement.
8. Congratulate and thank the crew.  A celebration meal, even if still out on the waters is a great move for moral.  Be a miser with the rum.
9. Systematically check the major systems:  Electrics, Electronics, water, plumbing, motor etc.