Blog | Is Your Yacht Prepared for a More Active 2016 Hurricane Season?

We have just entered the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which runs from June 1^st to November 30^th.

South Florida has “dodged the bullet” the last few years, but it looks like our luck is about to change. Most weather experts agree that the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely to be “more active than normal.”

The consensus of predictions suggest that Florida will be facing the worst hurricane season in the past 3 or 4 years, with a possibility of 14 named storms, eight of which are predicted to become hurricanes and four which could be major hurricanes.

Regardless of the predictions, and how severe the season turns out to be, remember that it “only takes one.” Furthermore, we do not have to be hit by a major land-falling hurricane for your motor yacht to be harmed. Even a glancing blow from a tropical storm can put her at risk!

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.

An Artists Rendering of a “Hurricane Hole”

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.

This Boat Owner Did Not Have a Proper Hurricane Plan!

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.