Well, it’s the day before we are to expect Hurricane Issaac to hit us. It’s currently between Cuba and the Florida Keys and will soon make it’s way up through the Gulf of Mexico. Thankfully, this isn’t supposed to be a big one, but it’s looking like it will be a category 1 by the time it’s near us. Randy and I discussed that this would provide us with some great experience on how to handle a large storm with the trawler. We are expecting some very strong winds and we started yesterday to prepare the trawler for the storm. This includes:
- turning the boat around in it’s slip so that the bow will be facing out (and towards the winds)
- doubling up on all the lines
- doubling up on bumpers
- removing the bimini and ising glass to prevent it from ripping (or blowing away!)
- removing all of our window sun screens
- adding chafing to our lines in places where it might wear
- taking all loose objects (coolers, chairs, fishing rods, boogie board, etc) and stowing them in the lazarett
- stocking up on the essentials: food, beer, water
At this point, we just wait it out. It’s Sunday and we are expecting the foul weather to begin later this evening and into Monday morning. I think we’re well prepared.
