Posted by John Jones (a1johniam@…>)
This is written to describe what a hurricane can do and is not a
solicitation for criticism or discussion of the facility providing
the mooring field. On Sunday the 5th of Sept around 6pm my 33ft,
1982, Freedom Cat-ketch (Lady Marion) was on a mooring ball and
exposed to NE to E spiral band winds as Hurricane Frances moved
North along Florida. The mooring, in 5ft low water over a mud and
sand river bottom, consisted of a US Navy 500lb anchor(sunk for two
years), 12ft of heavy destroyer chain and then 10 ft of 3/8 in chain
up to the ball. Two 3/4 inch three strand rodes led from two
standard Freedom cleats down to 5/8 and 3/4 inch swivels (all safety
wired). The rodes allowed about 15ft from the deck to the ball.
The strength of the wind at the boat is not known as there were
extremely squally conditions at the time. Officially, the winds
were in the high 50’s. The wind, tide and surge probably resulted
in 11-12 ft of total water, along with wave action ( a fetch of
about 1 1/2 miles) all working together moved my sailboat about 300
yards. About five other boats with identical moorings dragged in a
similar fashion. In fact, a 45ft Columbia (originally within 100ft
of mine) dragged the same amount and kept the same relative
position. Seventeen boats broke loose from their moorings and were
washed ashore. My boat was severely damaged by some of these boats
on the loose. Without doubt, there was simply not enough rode on the
mooring systems. I am sure that the fish and crabs must have been
amazed to see that big anchor come up out of the mud and go happily
hopping along the bottom chasing my boat. It is amazing that the
deck cleats and harness did not fail. Go figure, but beware of
moorings with short leads. John