The storm in Marblehead hit many boat owners with full force. On Sunday, yachts were driven against rocks and onto the beach. According to harbour master Mark Souza, as reported by the Marblehead Current, around seven boats had run aground by Monday (28 September). At least one sailing yacht is said to have sunk. The pictures in the gallery are reminiscent of the storm surge that occurred three years ago in October.
Damaged motorboats
According to various media reports, Riverhead Beach and Glover’s Landing were the areas most severely affected. The Marblehead Independent described the situation on Sunday morning: at Riverhead, a sailing boat was lying on the beach, whilst three smaller motorboats had also broken free. At the seawall at Glover’s Landing, two sailing boats were lying close to the rocks. According to the report, other boats capsized but remained at their moorings. No information is yet available regarding the costs incurred by the affected owners.
The Nor’easter, a storm with strong winds from the north-east, brought heavy swells to the coast. According to the National Weather Service, a coastal flood warning was in place on Sunday for parts of the Massachusetts coast. In Marblehead, the persistent bad weather on Monday made it even more difficult to carry out an assessment from the water. Harbour Master Souza described the event as the worst storm to hit the harbour since 2018.
How to secure your boat properly in a storm
This case illustrates the consequences that can arise when a boat breaks free from its mooring during a storm. When wind and swell cause the motorboat at its mooring to jerk against its lines, this results in high stresses. Our article shows how shock absorbers can cushion this load, Comparison of twelve shock absorbers. The guide explains how to secure mooring lines to cleats and bollards and how to prevent a line eye from slipping as the water level rises, BOOTE photo guide to mooring.
What has been your experience of Sturmd at the mooring?
