I have just finished unwrapping "anhinga" from the cocoon of dock-lines that secured her during her recent bout with Hurricane Wilma. In addition to surveying the condition of my Bertram 37, I had an opportunity to cast a concerned eye on other boats that found themselves in the storm's path. I feel it's my duty to share a few thoughts on hurricane awareness. It seems there are many people who feel no obligation to prepare their boats for a hurricane. When forecasting Wilma, the National Hurricane Center's timing was off, but it did a splendid job of pinpointing the storm's landfall in South Florida. If you live in the area, as I do, you would have had a difficult time tuning out the incessant threats and warnings. Every media outlet offered nonstop satellite feeds before, during and after the storm. Some featured weather rappers leaning into the wind and rain while dodging flying roof tiles. And who could forget the image of a grip hanging onto Al Roker's leg to keep him from flying over a balcony?
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