Hurricane Plan

For the purposes of planning, the hurricane season is recognized as June 1 to November 30.

Unattended Boats

Unattended boats are those with the owner/skipper not on board. All boats in the marina unattended for any period during the hurricane period must be under a guardianage contract. The guardianage company or individual has an obligation to care for that boat and take all reasonable action to protect it under the guide lines laid out in this document.

Attended boats must comply and co-operate with the Marina’s hurricane plan or may be asked to leave the Marina.

Weather Monitoring

Le Phare Bleu Marina monitors weather everyday via NOAA and other weather web sites so are aware of tropical systems as they leave the African coast line, many days in advance of a system developing and threatening the Caribbean. As a result we are able to take necessary action at an early stage. Particular note is taken of weather systems that start at a low latitude (eg 0-10 degrees north), although systems can be affected by other weather in the Atlantic basin and be pushed south to cause potential danger to the Caribbean, so all tropical waves are monitored as a matter of course.

Boat Storm/Hurricane Preparations

Our experience has shown that the more time that is available prior to a storm threat, the better, so we take the view that boats should be prepared as far as possible at the start of the hurricane season.

Stage I: Boat Hurricane Preparations

The following must be undertaken before June 1, or when the boat arrives. If the boat is attended or expected to be used during the hurricane period, the owner and guardianage company (if applicable) undertake to ensure these measures are taken promptly if required

• Bow of boat points South – towards the direction of potential swell
• All sails off
• Canvas off (this can be left until prior to storm if needed to protect decks and grp from sun).
• Any moveable deck items stowed securely
• If possible boom to be lowered to the deck and protection used against damage to the deck.
• Prop, bow thruster (if fitted) and rudder to be cleaned periodically in order that the boat can be moved under its own propulsion.
• Lines, fenders and anchors are accessible
• As far as possible, main engine and batteries to be tested every month, fuel tanks and water tanks full, fuel filters clean, batteries charged, bilges clean, cockpit drains are free and clear, fire-fighting equipment operational, life saving equipment accessible and in good condition

Stage II: Boat Hurricane Preparations

The following must be undertaken when a storm or hurricane warning is issued, and ideally in advance of this if bad weather is judged to be likely.

Le Phare Bleu has a number of designated bad weather moorings within the bay. These moorings are anchored with three (3) 2.4m sand screws, chained to a 3 tonne block, with 20mm chain. 30mm line connects the mooring to the buoy.
Design of the bad weather mooring anchors (holding power of 5,2t).

Boats will be moved to these moorings or ‘double slipped’ on the marina docks as deemed appropriate by Le Phare Bleu Marina.

‘Double slipping’ means no boat should be close enough to touch any other boat unless the lines part.

The boats will be secured in the following manner

• Moored more than 10 feet from the dock
• Anchored by the marina mooring from the bow or stern with a 30mm line (mooring consists sand screw and 3 tonne blocks)
• Additional boat anchors set in a vee pattern from the bow or stern
• All mooring lines to be taken to the strongest part of the vessel (eg the mast if mast is keel stepped, Samson post or windlass etc.)
• Additional lines taken from all available cleats and alternative strong points (such as winches) to the cleats on the marina dock
• Chafe guards consisting of strong hose or similar material to be secured at every vulnerable point.
• Lines must not be used to secure to more than one cleat—each cleat must have its own line
• Lines secured to the dock with bowlines at the dock end lines must be in good condition and for purpose as dock lines—no halyards. No boats will be permitted to remain on the end ‘t’s or the outer dock.

The Marina reserves the right to supply and fit suitable lines and/or chafe gear at the boat owner’s expense if a boat does not have sufficient or suitable equipment on board. Please discuss with the Marina Dock Supervisor if you are unclear.

All boats whether on moorings or in the marina should be prepared as follows:

1. All Stage I preparations checked and complete
2. All running rigging to be either removed or strongly secured to stop it breaking free
3. Loose items down below secured
4. Hatches/ports closed and locked and vents blocked off if possible.
5. Vessels photographed after storm preparations and before storm for useful record following a hurricane
6. No-one to remain on board during storm or hurricane

In order for the above plan to be workable, the marina has the following policies in place.

1. The Marina will restrict occupancy during the hurricane season.
2. Bad weather moorings and the docks and their associated mooring and anchoring equipment are serviced annually and surveyed and checked by the marina periodically.