This week we have experienced the first summer storms, which in nautical jargon are known as storms. These are short-lived meteorological phenomena characterized by heavy rain—sometimes with hail—lightning and thunder, and strong winds. Although storms can come from any direction, in our region they usually arrive from the western quadrant (between NW and SW). In fact, they typically form in the counties of the Alt Pirineu (Vall d’Aran, Pallars, Alt Urgell, Berguedà, and Cerdanya) and move toward the sea, sweeping across inland Catalonia (Ripollès, Osona, Garrotxa, La Selva, and Gironès), and occasionally reach the coast.

These storms are closely related to the following factors:

• Intense daytime heating of the inland areas of Catalonia, which generates convection as warm air masses rise rapidly;
• The presence of moisture and cold air at higher altitudes, which favors the formation of cumulonimbus clouds;
• The orographic configuration of the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, which intensifies the phenomenon due to the forced ascent of air.

Although these storms are fairly predictable by meteorological services, they can sometimes catch sailors off guard. One of the main indicators is the formation of convective clouds, which take on various shades of gray. However, the clearest sign that a storm is approaching is what’s known as the “storm wind”—the wind that arrives just ahead of the storm front. There are usually no more than 5 minutes between the onset of the storm wind and the beginning of heavy rainfall, making this brief period crucial for preparing to face the phenomenon.

It’s common for a storm to surprise you while anchored near the coast, moored to a buoy in a cove, or on your way back to port. In these situations, the size of your vessel becomes an important factor, as you need to consider how it will swing on anchor, whether you have enough anchor line laid out, if your anchor is appropriate for the conditions, and how your boat will respond to the sudden wind and wave action.

What are our recommendations?

1. Don’t panic and make the most of the five minutes between the storm wind and the onset of rain to prepare yourself and decide on the best course of action.
2. If you are anchored and swimming, immediately get everyone back on board the boat.
3. Start the engines, in case a maneuver is needed or to keep the bow facing into the wind.
4. Leaving the cove or not is a very personal decision. In general, if you have a boat over 10 meters, the cove is small, you are uncertain whether your anchor will hold, or there are obstacles downwind, it is better to leave the cove. In open water, the risk of damage is lower, and once you are away from the coast, ride out the storm with your bow into the wind, keeping the engine on but without advancing.
5. Do not rush back to the port at full speed, as docking maneuvers can become very difficult. The strong wind will complicate entry to the berth, and you may collide with other boats or get the mooring lines or guide rope tangled in the propeller.
6. If the storm comes from the west, a very safe refuge in l’Estartit is to anchor near the port, in front of Platja Gran, about 200 meters south of the harbor entrance. It’s a large, shallow area (4 to 5 meters deep) with a sandy bottom, low waves, and if the anchor drags, neither the crew nor the boat is at serious risk.
7. Remember that safe anchoring requires a rope or chain length of at least three times the depth (for example, for 5 meters of depth, you need at least 15 meters of chain or rope). In case of a storm, and if your swing radius allows, increase the length significantly.

Also always remember that:

1. You must check the condition of your safety equipment at the beginning of the season. Most importantly, make sure there are enough life jackets on board for the entire crew;
2. The responsibility for any maneuver lies with the skipper of the vessel;
3. Harbor staff are always ready to assist you. In this regard, report any issues or incidents by phone or on VHF channel 9;
4. You must check the weather forecast before going out to sea;
5. Always keep a summer waterproof jacket on board your vessel;
6. A storm is a short-lived weather phenomenon, typically lasting from a few minutes up to one hour.

Climate change will increase the severity and frequency of these episodes. After several days of intense heat, the atmosphere seeks a new balance. And our final piece of advice: If you’ve managed to withstand the storm at sea, your greatest reward will be a swim after the storm… we guarantee it’s exceptional!