The rule of thumb is to determine the boat's position relative to the forward track of the eye, then set a course at right angles away from the deadly center. This sounds fine in theory. But taking another look at the hypothetical storm it becomes clear that a boat caught on the edge of the southeasterly quadrant would have to turn eastward to establish a right-angle course. Yet running downwind with the storm would gradually find the boat sucked in toward the danger zone. One more problem of major concern is that storms don't often steer a straight course.
Hurricanes are among the world's deadliest storms.
During the busiest month for hurricane development on both coasts, keep a weather eye out and be prepared to batten down the hatches. David Shaw recently completed a circumnavigation of the major waterways in the Northeast aboard his 24-foot Bristol. All rights reserved.