Storm Strategy

Storm-force winds are Force 10 winds or greater on the Beaufort scale. That’s sustained winds of at least 48 knots, or 55 mph—sobering conditions, even in port. Buildings may sustain structural damage. Deck gear—such as Bimini tops, dodgers, sails and covers, hatch screens, jerry jugs and dinghies—might carry away.

Last fall in Greenport, New York, a violent frontal passage blew a steeple and roof section off a church in 65 knots of wind. Bimini tops split at the seams, genoas unfurled and flogged themselves to shreds, and dinghies blew around like toys. Storm-force winds are brutal, but if you