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STORM PREPARATION
WARNING
ALWAYS CLOSE ALL PORTLIGHTS, WINDOWS, WASHBOARDS, DOORS, HATCHES AND VENTILATION OPENINGS WHEN
APPROPRIATE IN ROUGH WEATHER OR AT PLANING SPEEDS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY ALLOW SEAWATER TO ENTER
THE YACHT, POSSIBLY CAUSING A SWAMPED CONDITION.
Storms rarely appear without advance notice. If a storm is a possibility, keep a watch on the horizon, especially to the west,
for the storm’s approach. Watch for changes in wind direction or cloud formations. Understanding the weather conditions
and what to do when the weather takes a turn for the worse is important. If a storm is approaching, the best course of
action is to return to port. If unable to return, prepare to weather the storm. To do so:
• Keep portlights, windows, washboards, doors, hatches, and ventilation openings closed when appropriate in rough weather
or at planing speeds. If necessary, provide operating instructions to passengers.
• Reduce speed as the seas build.
• Make sure all people onboard are wearing a life jacket.
• Drop a sea anchor over the stern to maintain the bow into the seas. If a sea anchor is unavailable, use a canvas bucket,
tackle box or other object that will replace the anchor.
FOG
Fog is a result of either warm-surface or cold-surface conditions. Periodically measure the air temperature and dew point
temperature to determine the liability of fog formation. Fog is likely to develop if the difference between the air temperature
and dew point temperature is small.
Remember the following guidelines:
• Head for shore at the rst sign of fog, unless the yacht is well-equipped with charts and navigational equipment. Wait until
conditions improve. If charts are available onboard, take bearings as fog sets in, mark the current position, and continue to
log the course and speed.
• All people onboard should wear their life jacket.
• If sound equipment is installed, check soundings regularly and match the sounds with the depths shown on the charts.
• Station a person forward in the yacht as a lookout.
• Reduce speed. Periodically, stop the engines and listen for surrounding fog signals.
• Sound the horn or fog bell intermittently to warn others.
• Set the anchor if there is doubt about continuing the cruise. Pay close attention during fog and take time to listen for other
fog signals just before sounding your fog horn or bell.
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