Hurricane season in the French West Indies: essential advice on securing your boat
Dear boaters,
The hurricane season in the West Indies (June to November) is a time when vigilance and preparation of your boat are essential. https://meteofrance.mq/fr/cyclone
As professionals in the boating industry, we’re here to support you during this sensitive phase, to ensure the best possible preservation of your units and the safety of everyone on the water.
Following the observations of our dockside teams, here are the priority recommendations that we invite you to follow without delay:
⚓ Securing mooring lines
- Attach your mooring lines directly under the buoy, by striking them on the main chain or shackle, rather than on the floating elements. This reduces the risk of breakage in heavy swells or strong winds.
🛟 Reduced dunnage
- Remove all wind-exposed items from the deck, including :
- Sails (furlers, lazy bags, etc.)
- Boom if removable
- Annex, especially if stored in the rear or suspended
- The slightest protrusion can considerably increase the wind load, and therefore the risk of damage or mooring failure.
🛠️ Dismantling sensitive equipment
- Remember to dismantle the most vulnerable equipment:
- Covers, shade cloths, biminis
- Wind turbines (removable blades)
- Non-integrated solar panels
- Davit-mounted annexes
- These elements can not only damage themselves, but also pose a danger to neighboring boats.
🧭 If you are absent…
If you’re going to be away for a long time, or are unable to prepare your boat yourself, we strongly advise you to use our nautical concierge service.
Regular monitoring or rapid response to cyclone warnings can make all the difference.
By thinking ahead now, you can contribute to collective safety in mooring areas and marinas https://www.marinaguadeloupe.com/, while effectively protecting your boat.
The Netboat team remains at your disposal for any questions or assistance in preparing your vessel.
Happy sailing, and let’s all be careful during this period.