Several boats came in this evening to take mooring balls in the harbor. Additionally, the boats that were tied up along the seawall in the marina canal (for the air conditioning) had to leave and take moorings. One of our anchored neighbors went and grabbed a ball. I have not seen anybody leave the harbor for the mangroves, but I'm sure a few boats have come in from the ocean side to tie up in there.
This is the path we'll take if we make a run for the mangroves.
We've seen a few other boats preparing. Sails wrapped, biminis folded, dodgers removed. The marina offers to store the dinghies inside their building and many people were taking them up on that. From where I am I see several dinghies still in the water, trailing behind their vessels, and looking like they'll stay there. That will be fun to watch.
What we’ve done so far:
• Get out the storm anchor and spare anchor rode
• Remove the secondary anchor from its roller to make room for the storm anchor
• Rig a heavier bridle through the mooring pendant as backup
• Re-roll the jib tighter on the furler
• Lift the dinghy higher than normal, and secure it like we’re going offshore
• Take the drain plug out of the dinghy so it doesn’t fill with rainwater
• Clear the decks of fishing poles, scooters, buckets and other loose items
• Get out various lines, shackles, and chafe gear for easy access
• Get out big fenders and poles for pushing off other boats
• Take some “before” pictures of the surrounding area
What we’ll do later:
• Take down the wind scoops we use for ventilation
• Wrap the spinnaker and spare jib halyards around the furled jib
• Warm the engines up so they’re ready to go if we need them in a hurry
What I won’t or can’t do:
• I wish I had a heavier spare anchor rode, but I left it in storage. Bummer.
• Take the sails off the boat. I would for a hurricane.
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