In paradise, who worries about hurricanes?
5/22/2005 3:00:18 PM by Ken Millman
As you read this I'll be kicking back in paradise. For me, Shangri-La is N 25-30.7, W 76-50.8. Its in the Bahamas, but youll have to consult a chart to figure those coordinates. Suffice to say it has one of the most beautiful natural harbors, castle-like ruins, and is well protected from the weather. There probably isnt another boat within five miles.
The only personal hardship is not having a morning newspaper to read in bed with my coffee. I do miss that, but its a relatively small sacrifice to stay in paradise. I'll listen to my satellite radio for news and weather.
After last year's hurricane season, one of the worst in Floridas recorded history, I resolved to never again deal with such chaos. Rivers and canals are blocked, bridges are locked down, tempers flare, and most people really dont know how to protect their boats. Not all, but most. I'll take my chances where I have a fighting chance.
Last year was one of the biggest dog-and-pony shows I've ever had the misfortune to participate in. Circumstances, primarily engine trouble, forced me to batten down among nearly 20 other boats in a canal off a small private marina in Fort Lauderdale. Four times, twice within less than a two-week period, a handful of us tried to help the less experienced strip down and secure their vessels.
Even after telling boaters that three-eights or half-inch line isn't strong enough to secure a mid-size vessel or that they needed much more line and ground tackle, few actually went out and bought more. The first time was understandable if they had never prepared for a hurricane. But, it happened three more times in quick succession. I guess, following each hurricane, most just figured the danger had passed and the odds of it happening again were slim. Yeah, right!
I can fully understand why insurance companies dont write policies when a hurricane warning has been posted. There is NEVER enough you can do to secure your vessel. Some luck is involved, but I fully believe you make your own luck with hard work and preparation. I used every bit of line I had, nearly 1,200 feet of one-inch nylon, and at the time I didnt think it was enough. I was lucky again. I dodged four more bullets and still have not had to file a claim in more 20 years of boating and dozens of hurricanes and tropical storms. (I certainly hope Im not jinxing myself by saying that)
Two things that stick in my mind following last year:
If a fellow boater utters something like, "If the good Lord means for it to happen, there's nothing you can do about it" and takes his own advice by not doing anything other than adding an extra line or so, put as much distance as you can between your boat and his. One ill-prepared boat can take out a dozen well-prepared boats in a congested area.
When you're exhausted and up to your elbows in blood and sweat as the hours wind down before the feeder bands arrive, dont let the rantings of a wild-eyed local about putting chaffing gear around the trees you tie to distract you. Time permitting, you should do it. When time has run out, however, do what you can with what you have.
In this issue of Wave, writer Mike Petrovsky recaps last years hurricane season and lists things boaters need to know and steps for preparing for this coming season. I'll be there in Florida in spirit, but not in boat or body. Asatellite telephone and laptop computer is all I need to work and stay in touch. And, now that I think of it, I can read my newspaper on-line as long as the satellites cooperate.
Should you find me in paradise based on my coordinates, I'll be very happy to share a rum and coke, cigars and swap sea stories. But, please leave before the hurricanes arrive, so I can have that small harbor to myself.
Ken Millman, Editor-in-Chief
Editor@wavesf.com