19/10/2026
Well I guess it can’t all be smooth seas and dolphins.
With winter on its way here’s a quick look at how we try to keep Zara safe when the forecast turns purple.
We lift the anchor out as when boats really start to pitch the anchor can catch the mooring strop.
By equalising these strop to another storing point on deck it lessens the isolated load on parts of the boat.
Having seen the damage a strop does when it jumps out of the roller, we tie them in! Don’t do it super tight as it still needs to move. Just enough to catch it before it escapes.
A head sail cover is a great investment, in summer they protect the sail from UV (we have a uv strip but still use a cover if the boat is sitting about for an extended period), the added benefit is they stop the sail trying to unfurl in high winds.
All rigging is away from the mast.
The boom is tied centrally.
Downstairs is stowed correctly.
Let us know what you do to keep your boats safe. Share the knowledge, it might stop someone else’s boat coming free and damaging yours!!
