Marina News - Storms and Mooring Lines
After a big 3 days of an East Coast low, the 3rd in as many months, the issue of mooring lines on vessels in the marina is of paramount importance to all members using the marina.
The East Coast Low earlier this week created extreme conditions on the marina. Extra mooring lines were urgently needed on several boats and quite a few lines broke and were replaced. During my forced absence, I would personally like to say a huge thank you to Staff and member volunteers who kept boats safe on the marina during the storm. David Fairclough, Steve and Nick Thorowgood, Mitch White and the OSM Team, Gus and George from Pacific Rigging and the many club members that assisted, Jack Stening, Jeremy Clarke, and Bryan Moore to name a few. Your efforts, and all others involved in keeping everything in order is much appreciated.
During the storm it became obvious that some boats do not have effective spring lines for extreme weather. There were incidences where mooring lines are UV damaged or of a substandard material or fibre and need to be replaced. Spring lines need to be as long as possible and have a certain amount of give in them to allow the boats to move without snatching, dock cleats can be adjusted to accommodate if needed and all owners or persons responsible should ensure that adequate lines and positioning of such lines is correct.
In normal sailing conditions most mooring lines are adequate, however in a storm all mooring lines need to be in the right place and strong for 3 main reasons:
- the protection of your boat
- the protection of boats around you
- Most Importantly - The safety of Club Staff and Volunteers who may need to provide additional lines to secure your boat in a storm.
This should not be under-estimated; it can be life threatening. We often work at night in these conditions ensuring the safety of vessels and the marina.
The marina is a very intimidating place to be given how much it is affected by swells and wind waves in the conditions we experience in these lows. Trying to replace lines in such conditions is almost impossible. It is with this in mind that we always try and alert berth holders when we have bad weather approaching. This is primarily to inform you that you need to be sure your vessel is safe. If you are unable to get to the vessel, please contact us and we will assist in any way we can. It’s much easier to remove a cover or put on extra lines before a storm arrives than trying to wrestle with one or the other in 45 knots.
Over the coming weeks myself and team will be conducting a check on all boats mooring lines and a request will be issued to owners where it is considered their lines need to be replaced or improved.
Owners may choose to employ the services of a rigger or purchase lines commercially. I am happy to discuss any requirements you feel necessary if you have any uncertainty about what your vessel may require.
Safely Yours
Andrew Forbes - Marina Manager