The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and the Caribbean is at the centre of it. These guides cover the decisions that matter: understanding storm formation and risk, finding genuinely protected anchorages, preparing your boat correctly, and tracking developing systems with the tools professionals use. Each guide is written for cruisers who are past the theory stage and need information they can act on before a storm threatens.
Understanding Atlantic Hurricane Season
The official June–November season, Saffir-Simpson scale, formation mechanics, frequency statistics, geographic risk gradient, and how to read NOAA's seasonal outlook.
- Peak: Aug 15 – Oct 15
- Average 14 named storms/season
- Insurance policy trigger dates
Caribbean Hurricane Holes and Safe Harbours
What makes a true hurricane hole, the classic Caribbean holes from Antigua to Trinidad, the advance arrival protocol, and the marina vs. haul-out vs. hole decision matrix.
- Chaguaramas: the gold standard
- Arrive 4–5 days before
- Surge vs. wind — know the difference
Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane Threat
The 72-hour countdown checklist: rigging removal, canvas down, anchor deployment, extra dock lines, fender strategy, electronics ashore, and through-hull valves.
- 72-hour countdown checklist
- 7:1 scope minimum on anchor
- Minimum 8 dock lines for a marina berth
Tracking Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
NHC forecast products explained, the track cone vs. wind probability product, model comparisons, ensemble plots, hurricane hunter updates, and when to trigger your preparation plan.
- Wind probability: the useful product
- Euro model vs. GFS at 5–7 days
- 5-day 20% threshold: time to act
About These Guides
These are editorial resources for cruising sailors, not official NOAA or NWS publications. Hurricane tracks, seasonal forecasts, and insurance requirements change year to year. Always verify current conditions with the National Hurricane Center, your insurer, and your marina or boatyard. The marina directory includes facilities across the Caribbean with haul-out and hurricane storage options.