So far so good this hurricane season, keep your fingers crossed and if a named storm aims for the Southern Chesapeake,  here are some words of wisdom to aid you in your planning.   Hurricane season in the Atlantic ends June  ends November 30th.

Recommended Procedures for a Potential Tropical Storm

Tropical storms have sustained winds from 39 mph to 73 mph and can cause significant damage to boats that are improperly secured. Be aware that a Tropical Storm can be quickly upgraded to a hurricane. In the event Deltaville
is in the "cone of uncertainty" path of a tropical storm, boat owners should take the following precautions well in advance of the storm's projected arrival:

Boats in wet slips: Reduce windage by removing headsails(including furled jibs), mainsails, sail covers, biminis, dodgers and other canvas. Remove life rafts and other large objects that can catch wind. Check for chafe and wear on dock line and replace or double lines if necessary. Insert chafing gear in chocks if chocks wear substantially on dock lines. Check batteries for charge and charge if needed. Bilge pumps should be on automatic. Port lights and hatches should be securely closed in watertight conditions. Any flags should be lowered and stowed, and halyards should be pulled away from the mast and snugged securely.

Boats in dry sail or one design lot: It is preferable that
you take the boat home or to some location more protected from the wind and rising water. If you leave the boat at the FBYC, remove boat covers and lower the mast. Strap the mast and your boat to the trailer, and chock the trailer
wheels.  Tie down trailers if possible, avoid damaging underground utilities and electrical lines, do not drill or
drive stakes, or dig holes without approval of club manager.

Boats on the rack: lash down boats, masts, dollies and
remove sails.

LIFT ACCESS: As a tropical storm approaches, normal hoist
service will be maintained until FBYC management determines it is no longer safe or prudent to do so.   It is very likely there will not be room in the dry sail area for temporary storage, so plan on making arrangements to move to a more secure location. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO SECURE YOUR BOAT-- YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO YOUR BOAT.

Recommended Procedures for a Potential Hurricane:

In the event Deltaville is in the "cone of uncertainty"
path of a hurricane, sailboat owners should take the following precautions well in advance of the storm's potential arrival. Keep in mind that hurricane-force
winds start are sustained winds 74 mph.   The
maximum effects of a hurricane are usually felt within the right-front quadrant. Here the winds are usually the strongest, storm surge is highest, and the possibility of tornadoes is greatest.  Begin to implement your plan at the first forecast that the projected path includes Southern Chesapeake Bay, this will give you several days to
execute your plan. 

In addition, the approach to FBYC property on Fishing Bay
road is subject to storm surge in a hurricane event. In Hurricane Isabel and Irene, the storm surge was six to seven feet above mean high tide; waiting to the last minute is very risky. The docks, pilings, and some seawalls were all underwater. Boats left in slips that are not properly secured and present a danger to themselves, to other boats and property, and to persons in the area. As clearly spelled out in the FBYC Pier Rules, in no case should be left on
make shift moorings or other anchorages in a hurricane.  Each boat owner should have a primary and backup plan for a hurricane evacuation.

Boat Owner Identification: For owners planning to move their boat to the upriver locations, Authorities with VMRC and Middlesex County have requested that each boat have the boat owner's name, vessel name, and contact information placed in a watertight plastic bag and placed somewhere easily accessible, such as unlocked cockpit locker or lazarett. This will allow them to contact the boat owner if needed after a storm.

Lift/RAMP: As a storm approaches, normal lift/ramp access
will be maintained until FBYC management determines it is no longer safe or prudent to do so. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO SECURE YOUR BOAT-- YOU
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO YOUR BOAT.

Boat owners should consult slip agreement and the club Pier
Rules for rules governing a hurricane and tropical storm. An excerpt is below: 2.         The owner of each yacht at the FBYC piers shall be responsible for all maintenance of, security for, and storm damage to such yacht.