thelog.com Dock Lines With Capt. Nicole
Protecting your boat from windstorm damage
Story and photo by Capt. Nicole Sours Larson
A rare storm noteworthy for its steady 30 to 40 mph winds and regu- lar 50 to 60 mph gusts roared through San Diego and Southern California on Jan. 31. While it brought less than one-third inch of rain to coastal communities, the wind was the killer. When it was over about a dozen boats had broken free around the embarcadero and Shelter Island, causing the San Diego Harbor Police (SDHPD) and towing services Vessel Assist and SeaTow to work through the night rescuing adrift boats from the rocks and collisions with other boats and structures. Around San Diego Bay at least eight boats sank, necessitating subsequent salvage operations. Other wind-buffeted boats broke loose when cleats gave way on their docks. Three larger blown boats
towards the San Diego Maritime Museum caused extensive dam- age, one penetrating the museum ship Californian’s hull, reported museum president and CEO Dr. Ray Ashley. “One of them got wedged under the embarcadero and caused damage to our electrical system which we’re going to have to repair. Another wedged itself between Californian and the mooring plat- form until the Harbor Police man- aged to drag it away. While thus entangled the boat caused abrasion damage to some of Californian’s planking on the port bow well above the waterline,” he said. Conditions were “as bad as I’ve seen them,” observed SDHPD spokesman Lt. Todd Rakos. His col- league, Bay Control Officer Jim Dreher, explained that they were on the verge of declaring their boats would venture out only to protect life, but not property, until the weather improved. While it’s embarrassing as well as
Yet with El Niño upon us and
more extreme weather likely with cli- mate change, it’s better to take as many precautions as possible. Start with a regular inspection of
all your mooring gear and lines, especially at their chafing points such as hawsers and chocks and turning points at cleats, both on the boat and dock, advised longtime boating and sailing instructor and USCG Auxiliary past Division Capt. Don Johnson. Replace them if they show any wear or fraying. “Hard points where lines fasten, such as cleats, Sampson posts or bol- lards, must be examined for weak- ness, particularly where they are
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SARRIS INTERIORS & CANVAS
Catamarans lightly secured to the Moorland beach bar along Sail Bay in Mission Bay lay overturned and jum- bled together following the severe windstorm Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
through-bolted. Examine backing plates and fasteners; any signs of movement or corrosion are causes for refastening or replacement,” he said. If applicable, ask your diver to inspect your mooring ball, he added. For mooring lines, Ed Vick, a long-
dangerous to have your boat break free in a storm, is there anything you can do to lessen that possibility, as well as protect your boat from dam- age? Both Dreher and San Diego
Lifeguards Marine Safety Lt. John Sandmeyer warn that in high winds and rough seas even the best-pre- pared boat may still suffer damage or break free. They agree such wind- storms are rare in San Diego.
time rigger with Downwind Marine/Sailing Supply, recommends using three-quarters or one-inch line of the best quality nylon double braid, which is stronger than tradi- tional three-strand line and has more give than natural products. For a mooring ball he recommends dou- bling or tripling lines if a bad blow is forecast. Many boats that stayed fast to their moorings or anchors lost their dinghies in the storm, Dreher said. Don’t forget to check your dinghy lines. For boats beached and locked to a beach bar, consider adding a second cable or chain. On Mission Bay’s Sail Bay, after the storm about five cata- marans secured with single light- weight cables to the Moorland boat bar lay overturned and jumbled together. Taking time now to inspect your
boat thoroughly may prevent later problems.
The Log • Log • Feb. 12 - 25, 2016 • 17
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