Guernsey Ports has already started bringing seasonal harbour equipment ashore, with the Sarnia workboat lifting the walk-ashore bridge serving the Swan pontoons out of the water this morning.
Precautions are being taken across the harbour estate, and berth-holders are being encouraged to do the same before conditions worsen. Anyone with a boat still on a bay mooring should also check it is properly secured.
‘The arrival of Storm Austen is a timely reminder to check your vessels are ready for the winter, if you haven’t had the chance to already,’ said harbour master James Way.
‘With strong winds forecast, we would encourage boat owners to take a few simple precautions and make sure their vessels, moorings and equipment are secure before conditions deteriorate.’
Owners should check that mooring lines are in good condition and correctly tied, and that fenders are well positioned and inflated. Bilge pumps should be working, batteries charged, and cockpit drains and scuppers clear of debris.
Loose items on deck should be removed or tied down, and shore power connections should be checked to make sure they are safe.
The walk-ashore bridge, together with other seasonal pontoon infrastructure, will undergo cleaning, inspection and maintenance over the winter before being returned to service in the spring ahead of the leisure boating and visitor season.
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