Weather & Storm Prep

NOAA DEFINITIONS

A HURRICANE WATCH is issued by NOAA for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 – 36 hours.
A HURRICANE WARNING is issued by NOAA when hurricane conditions are expected in a specific coastal area in 24 HOURS OR LESS.

Regarding Members’ Property 

1. Each boat owning member, and fleet, should develop and maintain an individual severe weather plan for his/her/its vessel(s). This plan should be made ready to be implemented every time the owner departs Shelter Island, even if a severe weather situation does not exist at that time.
   
   This plan should provide for the implementation of items listed under "DURING A HURRICANE WATCH" (as applicable) under “Boat Owner Responsibilities,” below.
   It is strongly suggested that this plan include the designation of a local agent to act in owner’s absence.
   
   
2. The Club assumes no responsibility for member boats or property. In regard to members’ property, the Club reserves the right to take any steps necessary to protect Club property.

Regarding Club Property

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

1. To protect Club personnel and property to the greatest possible prior to, and under storm conditions.
   
   
2. To provide normal Club services as long as it is safe to do so.

Boat Owner Responsibilities

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SIYC Staff will not provide any service or help to members in connection with their boats, in slips or on moorings, except for launch service as long as safe operation permits. (See paragraph c, “During a Hurricane Warning,” item v.)
   
   
2. SIYC launches are not available for towing.
   
   
3. OFFICER IN CHARGE: The Senior Flag Officer present will be the officer in charge. In the absence of any available Flag Officer, a Watch Officer will be appointed by the Commodore to take charge. In the absence of an Appointed Watch Officer, the Club Manager will be in charge

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH:

1. Remove all roller furling headsails and properly stow below deck or ashore. Lashing headsails is insufficient. Remove mainsails or double lash over mainsail cover. Treat mizzen- sails in the same manner.
   
   
2. Remove all anchors stowed on deck. This applies particularly to plow anchors since anchors can and do cut mooring lines. The intent here is also to avoid airborne anchors.
   
   
3. Install chafe material at all points of chafe.
   
   
4. For yachts in slips: DOUBLE UP mooring lines, apply chafe material and consider removal to a safer location.

Have someone do this before a Hurricane Warning if you cannot do it yourself.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

1. Insure that all steps to be taken during the Hurricane Watch are completed.
   
   
2. Vacate all yachts
   
   
3. All dinghies must be removed from Club premises.
   
   
4. All boats in the dry sail area must be removed from the premises.
   
   
5. SHUTDOWN OF LAUNCH SERVICE WILL OCCUR AS FOLLOWS: After a Hurricane Warning is established by NOAA, the point in time when the Club launch(es) will cease operating is at the sole discretion of the Officer in Charge. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made, so all preparations should be completed early
   
   
6. All scheduled Club functions will be cancelled at the discretion of the Officer in Charge.