Where Do Yachts Go During Hurricane Season?
Hurricanes are a serious concern for boaters, especially those who own yachts and sail vessels. Every year, sailors must consider where to take their vessels during hurricane season so that their investments remain safe from the unpredictable storms that can ravage the seas.
This article will provide an overview of hurricane season, as well as some tips and considerations when choosing a destination for your yacht charter during this time of year.
What Is Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season is an annual period of time during which hurricanes are more likely to occur in a given area of the world, usually stretching from June 1st to November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and from May 15th to November 30th in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
During this time, it is important to be aware of weather conditions and have plans in place should a hurricane form in your vicinity while out on the water.
Where Do Yachts Go During Hurricane Season?
The best option for yachts during hurricane season is to avoid areas prone to hurricanes altogether by heading away from them and choosing instead destinations with milder climates such as Italy, Greece, or Croatia – popular destinations with well-established yacht charter fleets that don’t experience hurricanes.
Although these areas may not be immune from storms coming off of large bodies of water such as the Mediterranean or Aegean Seas, they are typically much safer than other parts of the world prone to hurricanes due to their relative distance from them and milder climates overall.
Mediterranean Destinations for Yacht Charters
When it comes to choosing a destination for your yacht charter during hurricane season, there are many options available in the Mediterranean Sea region that can provide a safe haven from any pesky storms coming up from the south or eastward direction while still allowing you to enjoy all that this beautiful part of the world has to offer – all while keeping you close enough should you need to quickly make landfall if things get too rough at sea!
Some great destinations include Italy’s Amalfi Coast or Sicily, Greece’s Cyclades islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, or Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast with its stunning Adriatic views – all great options that offer breathtaking scenery while remaining relatively far away from any potential storms brewing up further south near North Africa or Turkey’s coastlines.
Safety Tips For Yacht Charters During Hurricane Season
When considering taking your yacht out during hurricane season it is important to keep safety top of mind at all times – both yours and your vessel’s! Make sure you are familiar with local weather conditions before setting sail so you can plan accordingly should any storms come up unexpectedly, always have an emergency plan in place, check regularly with local weather stations regarding potential storm developments, have plenty of supplies onboard if you need to ride out any bad weather, ensure all navigation equipment is updated, wear appropriate clothing, have life jackets onboard at all times, have a VHF radio onboard so you can stay connected with other vessels nearby should anything happen, and last but not least – make sure your boat is insured!
Considerations For Yacht Charters In The Mediterranean Sea
When planning your yacht charter during hurricane season there are many things you need to consider beyond just safety precautions – such as local regulations regarding boat registration and documentation (which vary greatly between different countries), different types of boats available (sailboats vs motorboats) depending on where you will be sailing (some regions may require larger boats due to higher winds), how prepared your boat is before setting out (ensuring all necessary maintenance has been done beforehand) as well as what insurance policies might be applicable if something were to happen while out on the water (it’s always better safe than sorry!).
Weather Conditions To Watch Out For In The Mediterranean Sea
Although generally speaking the Mediterranean Sea region is far enough away from any potential hurricanes coming up from North Africa or Turkey’s coastlines, there are still some weather conditions one needs to be aware of when sailing this part of the world – namely strong winds that can come up suddenly due to seasonal changes or storms brewing further south near Gibraltar Straits or even around Sicily’s Mt Etna volcano! It is therefore important that skippers pay attention not only to local forecasts but also any real-time wind reports available online so they can adjust their sails accordingly before setting off each day (and always carry spare sails just in case).
Different Types Of Boats And Their Suitability During Hurricane Season
When considering taking your vessel out during hurricane season one needs also consider what type of boat they own – whether it be a sailboat or motorboat – as well as how suitable it might be depending on where they intend sailing (some areas may require larger boats due higher winds) and what type of weather conditions might be encountered along route (i.e., strong winds).
Generally speaking sailboats tend to fare better in stronger winds due their increased maneuverability whereas motorboats are better suited towards calmer waters due their greater reliance on fuel supply when navigating long distances over open seas (so always ensure enough fuel onboard prior departing!).
Preparing Your Boat Before A Hurricane
Before heading out on any voyage its always important that skippers ensure their vessels have been properly inspected beforehand so they can rest assured its ready for anything nature throws its way! This includes ensuring all electronics are functioning properly, checking wiring/batteries/fuels systems/bilge pumps etc.
Cleaning hull/deck/rigging etc., making sure safety equipment such as life jackets/VHF radios/EPIRBS etc., are onboard & functioning correctly as well taking care necessary maintenance tasks such as changing engine oils etc., which will help prevent breakdowns whilst away sea!
Insurance And Documentation For Boats During Hurricane Season
Finally its also important that skippers make sure their boats are appropriately insured & documents prior heading out on any voyage especially during periods like hurricane season when unpredictable storms may arise without warning!
Make sure you know what insurance policies cover & where applicable obtain necessary paperwork such documents registration & licenses etc., so if anything were happen whilst away sea then at least one has peace mind knowing everything handled correctly!
Conclusion
Hurricane season can be both exciting yet nerve-wracking time boaters especially those who own yachts & sail vessels but fortunately there plenty options available when choosing destination one’s vessel such Italy Greece Croatia popular destinations which well-established yacht charter fleets don’t experience hurricanes themselves If choose sail these areas then important bear mind safety tips considerations outlined this article alongside taking care necessary preparation maintenance tasks before setting ensure smooth & enjoyable journey free worry!
