Preparing a Boat for Stormy Weather in the Port

Mooring Lines

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You can’t just use any rope to moor a boat.

A good mooring line is elastic, made from twisted rope or double-braid or square-braid, using polypropylene or polyamide for the braided ropes.

Never moor a boat with a halyard, or worse, with a Dyneema rigging element that lacks elasticity. All the strain would be placed on the cleat, which could take a hit, or depending on how it’s mounted, could even get torn off.

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According to Ino-Rope, a renowned rope manufacturer, you can size the line by adding “4” to the boat’s length in meters, so a 14mm rope for a 10m boat.

• Use Mooring Snubbers
  ‍Mooring snubbers are devices that add extra elasticity to mooring lines. They should be sized according to the vessel’s size and weight.

• Protect Mooring Lines from Chafing
  ‍Nothing is worse than repeated friction of the mooring lines on a fairlead or the dock. With repeated impacts, the fibers that make up the lines, when bent, will suffer from abrasion. It’s a good idea to protect them with a sleeve. This is also a great opportunity to practice splicing!

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Properly Mooring Your Boat

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Whether you’re stern-to at the dock, on a mooring line, or in a catway, take the time to properly secure your boat, especially if it’s not your usual practice. Here are a few simple rules:

• Follow the mooring principles (bow lines, stern lines, breast line)
• Alongside a quay, use two lines, two spring lines, and a breast line

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For lazy lines, use four stern lines and the lazy line cable or a mooring line attached to an eye of the chain.

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On a catway, use two bow lines (front tip in the image), two spring lines (fore and aft), and a breast line, secured to the midship cleat.

• One line, one purpose (for example, don’t use a bow line as a spring line), this way, there’s no chain reaction if a line breaks.
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• ‍Strengthen the mooring: double or triple the lines if you have enough. Also, observe the mooring of neighboring boats. If the owner hasn’t shown up before the storm and you have concerns, contact the harbor master. Only they can intervene on another boat, and their actions are covered by liability.

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Securing the Boat

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• Limit Windage
  To reduce wind resistance, remove and store away all solar protection covers. Roll up and secure your genoa tightly, and either remove or securely lash down your mainsail. Drop it into the cockpit and secure it to prevent any movement.
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• Ensure that all windows, hatches, and portlights are closed.
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• Place all your fenders; they’re of no use stored in a locker!
  If possible, tie the fenders underneath the boat to keep them in place.
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• Check the bilge pump operation and the service battery charge. Disconnect the shore power before the storm hits.
  If possible, close all seacocks except for the bilge pump outlets and engine cooling water intake.
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Monitor Weather

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⚠️ Keep an eye on weather forecasts, especially on high-resolution models like AROME, to adjust your preparations accordingly.

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Stay Safe

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• During the storm, avoid the port, especially if there are large swells or very strong winds. Your safety comes first.

• If the weather allows, check and adjust your boat’s mooring without putting yourself at risk.

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If your boat is ashore, the windage-related advice applies as well. Remove all covers, wind indicators, etc. Ideally, dismast sailboats.
Ensure that cradles are securely strapped in pairs to prevent slipping. Ideally, cradles should be anchored to the ground.
Remove the dinghy fuel tank and store it ashore.

Many dry docks provide fixed points to secure boats.

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