HURRICANE PREPARATION IS UNDER WAY

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Date: September 1, 2010
Author: KYC

Kingman Yacht Center has been monitoring storm track projections and weather service discussions constantly for the past several days.  Based upon what we know right now, we are expecting a close brush by Category 1-2 Hurricane Earl during the late night / early morning hours of Friday / Saturday, with torrential rains beginning Friday NE to NW winds in the range of 40-60MPH.

The problem for everyone watching this storm is that nobody knows for sure what it will do.  For that reason, we will wait as long as we can to ensure that any decision about mobilizing the entire marina, hauling all boats and implementing our Hurricane Action Plan is based upon the most current information possible.  WE EXPECT TO MAKE THAT CALL SHORTLY AFTER 5:00PM THIS EVENING (WEDNESDAY).

In the meantime, all owners of boats at Kingman Yacht Center should take steps before midday Friday to secure their boats against heavy wind and rain:

  • All canvas including biminis, dodgers, sails and anything else that might catch the wind, unfurl and create windage should be removed from your boat.  This includes deck chairs, kayaks, tubes, etc.
  • Boats on moorings should add chafing gear to ensure that mooring pennants do not break from excessive movement of the boat.
  • Boats in slips should add extra lines.  If we need to move your boat, it's not a problem to undo a few extra lines.  But it could be a real problem if your boat stays where it is and is not sufficiently secured.
  • Check your batteries and bilge pumps to make sure that they can cope with a heavy rain.  This is especially important if you haven't been aboard your boat for a while, and your pumps have already had to deal with the 4 inches of rain we received early last week.
  • If you are unable to get to your boat before midday Friday, contact one of your boating friends and ask for their assistance in looking after your boat.  People are always happy to help out in a pinch.

PLEASE EXPECT ANOTHER UPDATE ON THIS SITE AFTER 5:00PM THIS EVENING.  If you have questions in the meantime, today would be a really good time to ask us at (508) 563-7136 X110.

Thank You!


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