Strong winds forecast for much of the UK

This weekend is set to be seriously windy. Here is insurers Navigators & General’s advice to keep your boat safe, wherever she is. 

  • Whatever
    mooring type you have, ensure that you have the correct size and type of
    lines fitted for your boat and “double up lines” in preparation for
    strong winds. You should regularly be checking for wear and replace
    lines if in any doubt
  • Inland boats should also check mooring points ashore to ensure they are adequate, and consider using additional points
  • Any boat moored (or stored) under a tree could be at risk if the tree is rotten or badly kept. If possible move your boat
  • Ensure that your fenders are at the correct height and are well secured. Attach more fenders if you can
  • If possible,
    (and safe) remove sails, spray hoods, dodgers and canopies. If it’s not
    possible or safe to remove the sails check that they are very well
    furled, and use extra sail ties on both main and foresails
  • If ashore it is
    just as important to reduce windage, ensure that covers are not tied to
    supporting beams (they may pull these out) and if you are really
    concerned attached halyards to secure points on land and tension
    slightly
  • Dinghies should be secured to the ground with halyards and lines around the hull
  • If you cannot
    get to your boat then it would not hurt to contact your yard or marina
    and ask them to check your boat and adjacent boats during the gales

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