Batten hatches it’s the Cyclone Season - or is it?

by Jonathan Crowe on 12 Jan 2006 The last place you want to be with your sailing boat is in a cyclone. Yet though the seasonal threat of cyclones is a fact of life in Queensland, the sailing industry continues to thrive. The recommendations in this article are also useful for any sailing boat left unattended in a marina anywhere.

The Whitsundays, which are the prime sailing destination of Queensland’s Barrier Reef, have not seen a cyclone since 17th January 1970, when Tropical Cyclone Ada struck the Whitsundays, Shute Harbour and Proserpine after devastating tourist resorts on Hayman, Daydream, Long, South Molle and Hook Islands. Certainly a number of cyclones have affected the area, but since Ada in 1970, the Whitsundays have not experienced a direct “hit?

The Tropical Cyclone Season in Australia extends from November to April. The entire Queensland coastline is open to tropical cyclones, however generally the more stronger, destructive ones cross the Queensland coast north of Rockhampton

One of the mitigating factors about cyclones in the area is the extent of early warning facilities available. The Queensland Bureau of Meteorology, who is responsible for much of the technical information in this article, runs a very efficient staged Cyclone Observation and Warning system

Stage 1 is the Cyclone Watch, Stage 2 the Cyclone Warning, and Stage 3 the Cyclone on a Direct Course. This last is a typically low-keyed way of saying that all hell is about to be let loose on you with 100kt plus winds.

This carefully monitored three tier warning system means that unless a boat is without radios or other communication, there is usually plenty of time to get the boat inshore before the cyclone actually arrives.

Of course, once inshore, the problem does not end there. The local authorities have a strict process recommended for all civilians once Level 3 is reached - but what about your boat?

Obviously, when a cyclone happens in the Whitsundays, the best place for your boat is in Tasmania. However, the many charter operators, marinas and private boat owners in the Whitsundays continue to live through these seasons ?and get insurance. How do we do it?

Following is the way we look after our boats ?and your boat if it’s here ?when a cyclone is threatening. While the following has been designed for cyclone preparations, the recommendations are also valuable for boats left on marinas when any strong wind is threatening. 60 ?70 knot winds have been recorded often during storms in Sydney for instance


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SECURING VESSELS

1. Mooring lines are to be doubled with secondary lines to alternative cleats. Do not run the secondary lines to the same cleats, as cleat failure will release the vessel from safe mooring. The secondary lines should be secured slightly slack to ensure that they are only required to work if the primary line fails. Do not secure lines to piles, as they may jam the rollers. Ensure lines are of an adequate size to secure the vessel.

2. In extreme conditions vessels have a tendency to ride up onto the pontoons. Please ensure that the vessel is positioned in a manner that if the primary lines fail, that there is not enough slack on the secondary lines to allow the vessel to move on to the main or adjacent finger.

3. Ropes and other synthetic fibres such as polyethylene. Polypropylene and polyester are all susceptible to U.V. damage from sunlight. All will deteriorate in some way over 1 ?3 years and cannot usually be noticed until the rope is placed under stress. The deterioration occurs very rapidly after U.V. damage commences.

4. Do not use chain to secure the vessel. Chain has no ability to stretch and will damage your vessel or the marina. Anchors may be lowered but ensure that there is enough slack out to compensate for the rise and fall of the swells and tide. Do not anchor over or onto walkways or piles.

5. Check boat cleats for integrity, generally ropes are stronger than these. If there is any uncertainty, secure a line to one of the main structural members. Eg Mast.

6. Reduce wind loading to a minimum. Remove clears and all deck equipment i.e. lifebuoys, covers etc and store below. Remove all furled sails. If this cannot be done, double wrap them to prevent wind from opening them up.

7. Stow away all loose gear (buckets, fishing gear etc) below. Deflate and stow inflatable dinghies. If left dinghies are left on the deck they should be cleaned out, bungs removed and securely lashed down, preferably overturned.

8. Ensure that all scuppers are clear and will stay clear.

9. Shore power and water leads and gas bottles are to be disconnected.

10. Position adequate spare fenders and lines.

11. Confirm that all bilge pumps are working

12. Radio Communication should be checked on VHF channels 16 then 9.


IMPORTANT
YOUR SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AT ALL TIMES.
IN THE EVENT OF A CYCLONE, FLYING DEBRIS CAN BE LETHAL. PERSONS WHOM ARE LIVING ABOARD VESSELS IN THE MARINA MUST COMPLY WITH DIRECTIONS FROM EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNELL IF DIRECTED.
BOATS CAN BE REPLACED, LIVES CANNOT!


Once you have secured your boat, and a cyclone is threatening, listen to the Cyclone Warning Stages, be aware of the significance of the stages, and act according to the instructions of the Marina where you are berthed:



Stage 1. A TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCH MESSAGE IS ANNOUNCED.

A TROPICAL CYLCONE IS APPROACHING THE AREA AND IS NOT FORECAST TO ARRIVE IN THE VICINTY FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS.

?Monitor the cyclone from weather forecasts
?Cyclone tracking charts and weather forecasts will be available from the marina office, showing the position and progress of the cyclone.

Stage 2. A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING IS GIVEN

THE TROPICAL CYCLONE IS PREDICTED TO THREATEN THE LOCATION WITHIN 24 HOURS.

?Wherever possible, Owners or a nominated contact person will be advised to attend the vessel/s and ensure that they are secured.


Stage 3. A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS ON A DIRECT COURSE.

?The latest advice can be obtained from the telephone warning service on 1300 659 212.
?Marina patrons and guests are required to follow any official advice given by any Emergency Services Personnel.
?If instructed to evacuate by Emergency Services Personnel, ensure utilities are turned off, i.e. water, power and gas.
?Wear strong clothing to protect against cuts from debris. Wear strong footwear (not thongs) for protection.
?Be ready to move to higher ground or shelter facilities as directed by Police and Emergency Services Personnel. High winds and flooded roads may be hazards during movement. Advice will be given though local TV, radio and other media. Police and State Emergency Services will also give verbal warnings.
?When the cyclone hits, keep calm and stay indoors.
?Stay away from windows.
?Protect yourself with mattresses, pillows and blankets.
?Stay indoors until officially advised that the cyclone has passed. Beware of the eye of the cyclone. After the cyclone, listen to the radio. Don’t stay in the open and don’t go sightseeing.


MORE ABOUT TROPICAL CYCLONES

What is a tropical cyclone?
A Tropical Cyclone is a low pressure system in the tropics that, in the Southern Hemisphere, has a well defined clockwise wind circulations with a region surrounding the centre with gale force winds.
The gale force winds can extend hundreds of kilometres from the cyclone centre. These are also referred to as hurricanes or typhoons in other countries.
The eye or centre of a tropical cyclone is an area characterised by light winds and often by clear skies. Eye diameters are typically 40km but can range from under 10km to over 100km. The eye is surrounded by a dense ring of cloud known as the eye wall, which marks the belt of strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
Tropical Cyclones derive their energy from the warm tropical oceans and do not form unless the sea-surface temperature is above 26.5°C. Once form