Advice for Boaties ahead of Tropical Cyclone Lusi

Coastguard Boating Education General Manager Neil Murray offers some timely advice for boaties ahead of this weekend’s predicted tropical cyclone Lusi.

Neil says that it is likely we’ll encounter some severe weather over much of the country. This may include heavy rain, severe gales (probably initially from an easterly quadrant), large waves and abnormally high tides.

As with all Cyclones or Tropical Storms, there is still a degree of uncertainty regarding Lusi’s track. This will dictate the exact distribution and extent of any severe weather over the country but will become more accurate to forecast as it approaches New Zealand. Keep monitoring the situation and advice from Metservice.

If on a swing mooring all boaties should:
• Seek a temporary berth in a marina for the weekend if possible
• Check the mooring pennant and for any chafe points and consider adding additional back-up mooring lines
• Lash sail covers and put an extra line around the furling headsail if fitted (to stop it unfurling)
• Remove any loose gear stowed on deck and stow it below
• Check below to ensure everything is secure in case the boat heels
• Close all seacocks

If you are in a marina berth:
• Check all mooring lines for any chafe points and consider adding additional back-up mooring lines
• Add extra fenders if the boat is alongside a pontoon or wharf
• Lash sail covers and put an extra line around the furling headsail if fitted (to stop it unfurling)
• Remove any loose gear stowed on deck and stow it below
• Check below to ensure everything is secure in case the boat heels

If ashore (in a yard or on a trailer):
• Lash sail covers and put an extra line around the furling headsail if fitted (to stop it unfurling)
• Remove any loose gear stowed on deck and stow it below
• If a yacht in a boat yard – discuss with the yard operators, but consider attaching halyards down to the ground to reduce the chance of the boat capsizing from its cradle or props

Coastguard Boating Education is New Zealand's leading provider of boating education courses. Course information can be found on www.boatingeducation.org.nz

ENDS

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