As we come into our summer months, we would like to share with you our recommendations for Extreme Weather Vessel Preparedness.
Preparation is Key – Have a Plan!
Understanding Your Vessel
- Are the vessel fixing points (cleats / bollards / stays / winches) strong? How are they held to the vessel? Can this be improved with back plating and through-bolts etc?
- Are your batteries fully charged?
- Do you have a place to secure your bimini, covers, sails, tender etc? Is that on or off the vessel in land-based storage?
Ropes
- Are they suitable for your vessel? We suggest speaking with our local chandlery (Quadrant Marine) to discuss options and breaking strains.
- Are the current securing ropes at “End of Usable Life”? Silver rope has a safe life span of 2 years when left in the sunlight as there is no UV protection. Double braid has an extended life span as the outer sheath protects the core from UV degradation.
- Have the ropes been through a significant pressure event? Most of the rope styles today depend on many strands that are weaved together to give a complete system – after a significant pressure event i.e., a knot is left in the rope and gets pulled significantly, these strands can melt together forming one brittle plastic mass that will fail under load.
- Quadrant Marine are happy to discuss all of the above and set up your lines specific to your vessel’s needs. Fees apply.
Cleats On The Marina System
- Every year our marina system is audited to make sure every berth has sufficient cleats to meet Australian standards. If you feel that additional cleats are required for your vessel, then additional cleats can be purchased and installed by our maintenance team at a cost of $100 each.
- Please be aware that this service will not be available once a weather event is approaching as our team’s time will be focused on securing the site.
Fendering
- Profender Superfender is available for purchase and installation into all berths at CSMR. It is a closed cell foam product manufactured in Queensland that will not ride up like fenders on approach into your berth. It also gives a significant difference to the impact/pressure put onto the side of the vessel in a weather event. For more information on these products, click here: https://www.pontoonfenders.com.au/
Understanding Prevailing Wind Conditions
- Coral Sea Marina is very protected from South & East wind conditions, due to the surrounding hillside, but we do have a large expanse of unprotected sea to the North & West which tends to affect vessels in the marina to a higher extent. It may be worthwhile to think about facing your vessel into the most affected wind direction, as every vessel is made to have its greatest impact (wave or wind) onto their bow. Also, take into account the predicted wind direction for that specific weather event.
Be Aware of the Vessels Around You
- Does your mast line up with the mast of the vessel next to you? Vessels rarely pitch side to side in unison so there is a chance that the top of your mast to hit the mast of the vessel next to you. You may need to think about changing the location of one or both of the vessels to allow for this (please note this would only happen in very rare circumstances with exceptionally high winds).
Understand To Expect From The Marina
- Please read through our Coral Sea Marina Extreme Weather Preparation Procedure – Vessel Masters and Owners 2021-22 and ensure you fully understand what to expect from the marina, as well as what we expect from our guests in terms of weather preparation.
Evacuation
- In the event of extreme weather, the marina may be evacuated under the direction of the Whitsunday police. Anyone currently staying onboard their vessel will need to have somewhere to go ashore if this occurs. Part of your extreme weather preparation should be to ensure you have a shore-based contingency plan. There is a wealth of short-term accommodation surrounding the marina and in Airlie Beach. Bookings should be made early.
Vessel Preparation
- In the event you are not in the region at the time of an extreme weather event, we require you to have organised someone to prepare your vessel on your behalf. The contact details of this nominated person should be communicated to the marina office.
Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or would like to speak to a member of our team regarding your preparations, please email marina@csmr.com.au