Safety and Storm Tactics

1. When preparing a vessel for the approach of a tropical wave, depression, tropical storm or hurricane, be sure to close all seacocks, except the cockpit scupper seacocks. Leave the cockpit scuppers open to allow rain water and sea spray to drain out of the cockpit. During one tropical storm, a large sailboat was blown onto soft sand in shoal water and would have suffered minimal damage. However, since the galley and head sink seacocks were left open, seawater flooded the vessel while the yacht was careened on its side. The interior was pa...

Your boat is booked, the bags are almost packed and you're counting down the days to a perfect charter sail-away vacation. It will be just that - as long as you tack around some health and safety issues common to tropical places.There are a few safety checks you can make before you even leave home. If you have any health questions or concerns, consult your doctor before departure. Fill prescriptions and bring extras along in case your travel is delayed, along with spare glasses and contact lenses. Call your health insurance company so you understand your...