Sailing Gentlyvideo

Home for the Hurricane Season

8 May 2025 · 18 min · 2K views · Guadeloupe

What this video covers

Preparing a Beneteau 323 for the hurricane season in Guadeloupe involves securing the vessel in a permanent marina berth to mitigate storm surge and wind damage.0:23 The owner removes the outboard motor, dinghy, life raft, and cockpit canvas, while furling the genoa tightly and securing the mainsail within its in-boom reefing system.2:08 To prevent damage from fixed pontoons, the boat is moved away from the dock and secured with doubled mooring lines.2:33 Interior preparations include opening all cupboards and doors for ventilation, closing hatch blinds to block sun damage, and unplugging all 220-volt appliances except for the battery charger and a 12-volt mobile router.9:09 A local contractor visits the boat fortnightly to air the interior and inspect mooring lines, providing a safeguard against potential storm damage.9:31 The owner maintains a surveillance camera to monitor the boat remotely via an app.8:53 Keeping a boat in a Caribbean marina offers a cost-effective alternative to UK-based berthing, with French islands like Guadeloupe and Martinique providing well-subsidized infrastructure and reliable marina services.11:19

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Boats in this video

Beneteau 323Their boat

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