Kicked out!

[Forkliftt]

This afternoon we were making for*an overnight slip where we usually watch the fireworks from on the 4th of July. We were heading North from an anchorage on a barrier island and were almost into Biloxi Mississippi when the ever darkening sky became ominous. We watched a huge water spout develop to our east and then the wind became faster and the temp much cooler. *NOAA warnings were to seek shelter immediatley. We had already contacted our Harbour Master on 16 and were about 1/4 mile from the slip when it started to hit. We quickly ducked into an unused pier outside of one of the largest casino's here and got three lines on as the wind began to howl. About a minute later a security guard arrived with instructions for us to leave. Are you kidding? I asked. We have arrangements right up the channel- I told him. "Call and check if you will".Not happening. Two other supervisors showed up as the worst began and insisted we untie and leave the dock. *

We had no choice but to leave. The bimini zipper tore loose as I was attempting to pull a 180. The wind caught us and we spent almost 30 minutes in this mess in the middle of the channel. Looking back I think I should have not left. These guys were only doing their job- but I endangered our crew and vessel by leaving. Do these guys have a right to insist we leave in a situation like this?
Steve

 

[FF]

"Do these guys have a right to insist we leave in a situation like this?"

They don't call it PRIVATE PROPERTY for nothing.

 

[Daddyo]

I've got to say you did what so many others do and never should.

How is it that you are safer trying to tie to some damned pier in the middle of a storm!? The boat and crew are always safer away from stationary large hard things.* Stay on the water and keep her away from things and her nose pointed into the wind and the storm will pass!

 

[Capn Chuck]

Unfortunately you just can't pull up to any dock and tie up no matter what the circumstances. The prudent thing to do would have been to find a spot close to the banks somewhere and drop your anchor with lots of scope. This should always be your first line of defense in this kind of situation. Chuck

 

[FF]

In our area of the world , HURRICANE COUNTRY, many owners will rent out their docks for the season , 7 months, and never see the renter.

The docks are the INSURANCE policy for folks with boats in the Keys , or on either coast ,who need a hurricane hole to hide out when the area gets notice of a blow.

So there "seems" to be many empty docks.

Mooring to one of these will cost 7 months of dockage , if you wish to stay in a blow.

Figure $1400 for the first night , the rest of the season is up to you.

FF