‘Antoni’ and ‘Betty’ provided a sharp reminder that we are not immune to severe storm conditions even in mid-summer.
Craftinsure is helping a number of customers who have fallen victim to recent bad weather.
Claims have included a yacht capsizing on moorings, a Drascombe breaking adrift (sadly completely destroyed), smaller motorboats swamping and other boats suffering less serious damage from violent motion against piers and jetties even though well secured and heavily fendered.
Craft Insure has also received reports of dinghies being blown over despite being tied down and one yacht in a cradle ashore.
As we head towards autumn, here are our top tips to help avoid storm damage:
- If bad weather is forecast, try to get your boat ashore or to a more sheltered location if feasible; smaller boats, especially if fitted with heavy outboards, are particularly vulnerable to swamping and capsizing on moorings.
- Double up on mooring lines and springs.
- Check your boat regularly, adjusting lines and fenders as appropriate.
- Dinghies should be securely tied down to the ground (and not the trailer).
- Moorings should be checked at least annually; replace any suspect components and double up on strops.
- Yachts ashore should have boom covers and spray dodgers removed to reduce windage. Unstep masts at the end of the season.
- Make sure furling headsails are securely tied to prevent being blown out.
