Whether you are sailing on your own boat or a rented one, encountering an unexpected storm is every sailor’s worst nightmare. Even if you are a well-equipped captain or crew who has completed sailing training, it is very important to think ahead and plan what to do.

A) Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is not only important for avoiding storms but also for navigating through them. Knowing when the storm will be at its peak and when the wind will change direction is the most important factor in determining your strategy.

B) Another important factor is location selection. If we are not in a port where we usually stay and have not yet decided where to stay after coming from the open sea, the most important decision is where and how to anchor to weather the storm.

C) Since anchor dragging is the most undesirable situation during a storm, many boat owners prefer to seek a pier or dock to moor at. However, a pier on the windward side should be preferred over one on the leeward side, not only for mooring purposes but also for wave protection.

D) If you are going to anchor, and the geographical conditions are suitable, anchoring at sea is preferable. Anchoring at sea with suitable anchoring equipment in a sheltered bay with a suitable seabed that does not cause waves is much safer than other mooring methods.

E) However, the mooring method is often determined by other boats. Attempting to moor in the way we prefer in a bay where everyone moors differently can cause more harm than good.

F) It is important to check the boat after mooring. During this check, we should not only inspect our own boat but also the condition of the boat closest to us, especially the one upwind. Danger typically comes from the upwind direction.

In addition to routine checks and a checklist for storms, we must also implement the following measures:

1) Prepare spare anchors. In some cases, the wind may change direction during the storm. Preparing the spare anchor system in advance and keeping it on deck will greatly simplify the process. Similarly, preparing spare ropes and fenders suitable for the conditions and boat size and keeping them ready for use in an emergency would be meaningful.

2) If necessary, check the mooring system by diving beforehand. If the mooring system is a mooring buoy, it is necessary to anticipate that it will be exposed to very high loads during storm conditions.

3) Keep the boats apart from each other. Even in the most sheltered harbor, the wind during storm conditions will inevitably cause some turbulence. The most damaging factor to ropes and mooring elements is these shock loads. To minimize this, use shock absorbers. Both the shore-side and anchor chain-side mooring systems must be shock-absorbed. Springs, rubber materials, or motorcycle tires are very useful for this purpose.

4) It is important to pay attention to the areas where the rope rubs against both the boat and the shore. If necessary, these areas should be replaced, reinforced, or covered.

5) Move away from the shore. Ropes stretch under a certain load. If the load increases significantly, the boat may come too close to the shore or lean against it. In such a situation, it is not possible to take up the slack in the rope, so it is advisable to anticipate the situation and remain offshore in advance.

6) Close the bimini. We recommend removing the bimini in advance and storing it in the hold, both to protect it from the wind and because it could be severely damaged. Trying to remove and fold a torn bimini in storm conditions is even more difficult than hitting the sail with a camadan!

7) Leaving the sprayhood open may vary depending on the wind direction and intensity. While this is beneficial when anchored, it can cause all the rain to enter the boat when the wind is blowing directly from behind.

8) Sails should also be rolled up more carefully and neatly than usual, and may need to be lowered in advance if necessary. We can make an exception for the main sails.

9) Disconnect the shore power. It can increase the risk because it provides grounding in lightning and thunderstorm conditions. Disconnecting the electrical connection in advance also makes it easier to escape.

10) Turn off the onboard electricity. Avoid using electronic devices (e.g., radio, wind gauge, etc.) during thunderstorms if possible.

11) Roll up the flag or replace it with a smaller one. It is better not to display the national flag at all than to show a torn or damaged one due to strong winds.

12) Lower the flags. Similarly, flags attached to the mast or gaff must also be lowered.

13) Close the hatches and portholes. Check them in rainy conditions.

14) Keep the sheets taut. Using a thin rope to tighten the sheet ropes toward the cleats prevents them from hitting the mast and making noise.

15) Double the tonneau and seat ropes. It is beneficial for the ropes to be of the same thickness and tension. Ensure that the connection points are in different locations on the boat deck.

16) Secure the fenders to the lower rail or gunwale.

17) Remove the fuel tank from inside the boat. In heavy rain, water filling the interior of the boat does not cause the inflatable boat to sink, but it can cause the fuel tank to overturn.

18) Preferably, place the boat on the deck and secure it with the lid facing down.

19) Make sure to create an escape plan. Sometimes, due to difficult conditions in the harbor, it may be necessary to weigh anchor and head out to open water.