Marquis 500 Sport Bridge Owner's Manual page 16

If a portable radIo IS onboard:
• Keep the radio tuned to a station broadcasting frequent weather reports . Many yachting clubs fly weather signals; learn to
recognize the following weather signals .
WEAThER SIGNALS
STORM PREPARATION
Storms rarely appear without advance notice . If a storm is a possibility, keep a watch on the horizon, especially to the West, for the
storm's approach . Watch for changes in wind direction or cloud formations . Understanding the weather conditions, and what to do
when the weather takes a turn for the worse is important .
If a storm is approaching, the best course of action is to return to PORT . If unable to return, prepare to weather the storm . To do so:
• Close portlights, exterior doors and hatches and secure them . Stow all loose gear below deck, and tie down any gear on deck .
• Reduce speed as the seas build .
• Make sure all persons onboard are wearing the personal flotation devices .
• Drop a sea anchor over the stern to maintain the bow into the seas . If a sea anchor is unavailable, use a canvas bucket, tackle
box, or other object that will replace the anchor .
FOG
Fog is a result of either warm-surface or cold-surface conditions . Periodically measure the air temperature and dew point temperature
to determine the liability of fog formation . Fog is likely to develop if the difference between the air temperature and dew point
temperature is small .
Remember the following guidelines:
• Head for shore at the first sign of fog, unless the yacht is well equipped with charts and navigational equipment and wait until
conditions improve . If charts are available onboard: take bearings as fog sets in, mark the current position, and continue to log
the course and speed .
• All persons onboard should put on their personal flotation devices .
• If sound equipment is installed, check soundings regularly and match the sounds with depths shown on the charts .
• Station a person forward in the yacht as a lookout .
• Reduce speed . Periodically, stop the engines and listen for surrounding fog signals .
• Sound the horn or fog bell intermittently to warn others .
• Set anchor if there is doubt in continuing the cruise . Listen for other fog signals while continuing to sound the fog horn or bell .
2
Y Y S S
achting achting
5027 • E5 09/2011
afetY afetY