What to expect: High winds, waves, rain, and surge.

Here’s what you can do:

• REMOVE as much rigging, canvas, and deck gear as possible to reduce your boat’s windage
• BIMNIS are sure to get shredded in a strong storm, so take off the fabric and the frames
• STRIP OFF outriggers, antennas, running rigging, booms, life rings, and dinghies
• TAKE DOWN headsails and mainsails
• REMOVE heavy items from the stern if your boat is staying in the water
• CLOSE all but cockpit seacocks and plug the engine’s exhaust port
• USE MASKING OR DUCT TAPE to seal around hatches and ports to keep water out
• COVER tenders
• DOUBLE UP on docklines
• MOVE smaller boats/tenders in land, away from trees
• HIGH PILINGS provide more support in preventing docks from being carried away in high surge

For more detailed information on how to prepare your yacht, tenders, and marina for a storm, please visit:

BoatUS Hurricane Warning Guide, BoatUS Do’s and Dont’s in Hurricane Preparation, Boat Safe Nautical Know How, and USCG Storm Center.