Blog | ALERT: The Atlantic Hurricane Season is Heating Up!

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is heating up – is your yacht prepared?

The Atlantic Hurricane season, which runs from June 1^st to November 30^th, is approaching its “statistical peak,” and right on schedule, the tropics are becoming much more active.

Currently there are 3 areas of concern in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Fiona, which has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression, Hurricane Gaston has just formed off the coast of Africa, and of most concern to South Florida motor yacht owners, Tropical Depression #8, which NOAA now says has a 60% chance of development, and is on a path that could impact South Florida in the next 5-7 days. When it develops it will be named Hermine.

The time is now for South Florida yacht owners to be prepared!

Having a Hurricane Plan is Key

If your boat is docked in an area at high-risk for hurricanes such as Florida, most boat insurance companies will insist you have a hurricane plan in place.  26 North Yachts can help you to develop your hurricane preparedness plan along with our sister company, Florida Yacht Management (FYM).

Yachts that sign up for FYM’s On Demand Yachting solution will be docked in Marina Bay. Marina Bay is what local insurers refer to as a “hurricane hole,” meaning that its location is a safe distance inland, and less subject to the dangers of storm surge. If your yacht cannot be accommodated with dockage in Marina Bay, FYM provides captain services to move your vessel to other insurance company designated hurricane holes.

In addition to making sure your yacht is secure in a safe “hurricane hole,” we will provide your insurance company with all the details of your hurricane plan in writing, to prove that you have done everything humanly possible to protect your motor yacht.

Our Hurricane Plan in Action 

If your vessel is signed up with FYM, the following will occur in the event of a storm:

The hurricane plan swings into effect as soon as a Tropical Storm Warning is issued by NOAA. At that time all vessels currently docked in Marina Bay will be secured in Marina Bay, 4 miles inland, west of I-95 on the New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,
2525 Marina Bay Drive West, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Vessels located in
alternate locations will receive the same preparations, as follows:

• All available fenders and docklines will be used to secure the
  vessels to the docks/floating docks.
• All removable canvas, cushions, and loose deck equipment will be
  removed and stored indoors.
• All hatches and seams will be blue taped.

Your vessel’s LOA determines Line Detail, as follows:

• Under 60’ = Doubled 1⁄2” Lines (Tenders Included)
• 60’ – 100’ = Doubled 3⁄4” Lines
• 100’+ = Doubled 1” Lines
• All Vessels will receive Nylon Braided Lines with locations as follows:
• 2 on Bow, 2 on Stern, 4 Spring Lines

For all yachts we will:

• Deploy anchors if deemed necessary.
• Photo documentation of preparations.

 

If Your Yacht is for Sale during Hurricane Season

If your yacht happens to be up for sale during hurricane season, it is also very important to work with a broker who not only understands preparedness, but some of the intricate ways in which a storm could impact an impending sale.

If your yacht is “for sale” during Storm Season:

• Make sure alternative dockage arrangements are made well in advance.
• Make sure you check and review your insurance policy. It may include covering the expense for a haul out.
• Just before season starts is a good time for fresh bottom paint.
• Be sure to review your hurricane plan with your captain and/or management company.
• Be sure to prepare the boat for heavy wind and rain at all angles to avoid water
  leaks and hull damage.

Remember, having a hurricane survival plan and proper equipment on board will only
further ensure a buyer’s confidence. Again, a relationship with a good management company such as On Demanding Yachting, can ensure your boat up for sale is well protected during hurricane season.

Also, take note that storm damage to a yacht that is under contract for sale, but has not been closed on yet, could activate the “Force Majeure” clause of the Contract. Under Force Majeure, “If the Vessel is damaged subsequent to the Buyer’s acceptance and the necessary repairs will cost less than five percent (5%) of the Purchase Price and require fewer than thirty (30) days to complete, then the Seller must repair the damage prior to Closing.”

There are other conditions that storm damage may invoke under this clause. If you are buying or selling a yacht during hurricane season, check with your broker, and make sure you understand the risks and liabilities.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can be unpredictable. However, one thing you can be sure of is that you have a better chance of protecting your boat, if you work with experts who understand the value of being prepared.

For more information on how to personally prepare, and protect your home or business during hurricane season, visit FEMA.

You can see live coverage of any approaching storms or bad weather at stormpulse.com.

 

It’s not always easy to stay on top of what’s new in motor yachts. If you would like to benefit from our expertise in these areas, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Sales Specialists, or call us at 954-900-9988.