So überstehen Sie den schwersten Orkan
Mit dem Frühjahr oder Herbst brechen bekanntermaßen stürmische Zeiten an, und das bedeutet für Wassersportler offenkundig ein erhöhtes Gefahrenpotenzial. Ob auf See, im Hafen oder an Land – die richtige Vorbereitung ist das A und O, damit Schiff und Crew einen Sturm möglichst schadlos überstehen.
Es sind oft die kleinen Dinge, die Großes bewirken. Ein zusätzlicher Fender hier, eine weitere Heckleine da, der regelmäßige Blick in den Wetterbericht oder der vorbeugende Check der Ausrüstung. Doch immer wieder kommt es aufgrund unzureichender Vorbereitung und mangelnder Seemannschaft zu Sturmschäden.
WHERE'S THE SAFEST PLACE?
It may sound paradoxical at first: in a storm you are sometimes better off on the high seas than near the land. Because the closer you are to the land, the shallower the water depth.
Short, steep waves build up in the shallower water, which not only put a lot of strain on the material, but can also quickly wear the crew down. If you can no longer call at a protected port, it may be better to weather the situation at sea. In the Mediterranean ports, for example, the yachts are typically moored closer together, in Roman Catholic arrangement - with mooring or bow anchor and stern line - if the swell builds up during a storm, considerable damage is often the result.
SAFE IN THE PORT
No question - your ship should be moored well and safely in the harbour in all weather conditions. Fore and aft jumps hold the yacht in position together with fore and aft lines, elastic ropes with a high breaking load cushion jolts, and fenders on the hull and stern protect against contact with the jetty or neighbouring berths. When a storm comes, additional measures must be taken. Check all mooring lines for abrasion and replace damaged lines. Have additional lines and fenders ready so that you can quickly re-secure in an emergency. And - as a matter of course - dock your boat so that wind, waves and electricity push your boat away from the dock and not onto it.
AT A GLANCE
- Regularly call up and check the weather report
- Find a suitable berth or anchorage and additionally secure the ship.
- Regularly check and test safety-relevant equipment, e.g. storm sails
- Ensure crew briefing on equipment and emergency procedures