Gearing up for hurricane season

by Darrell Nicholson, Practical Sailor
My old home island of Guam got whacked by a Supertyphoon Mawar on Wednesday, May 24. Power is still out, so still no word from friends. I’m not too worried about them.

Since typhoons are a risk on Guam during nearly every month of the year, the Micronesian island has been pummeled many, many times, including while I was there living aboard. Boaters on Guam have learned what to expect and are generally well-prepared.

Cruising boats have access to a well-tested hurricane refuge with a four-point mooring system, or they can strap themselves into couple of backwater canals like the one we took refuge in during Supertyphoon Paka in December 1997.

With the official June 1 start of 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season less than a week away, many veteran boaters are digging out their extra dock lines and fenders and formulating their strategy for the dealing with the next Big One. – Full report