GillBilly Chronicals: Hurricane Season Arrives

May 15th (June 1st in the Atlantic region) of every year signals the beginning of the annual hurricane migration north to our west coastal latitudes from the Gulf of Tehuantepec which washes the Pacific shores of extreme southern Mexico. If you own a yacht, your yachts insurance policy probably stipulates that you not venture into latitudes below near Ensenada unless you pay a premium for hurricane coverage. From June 1st to October 31st these restrictions apply, and anyone traveling south by sea to the area from Ensenada to Costa Rica should be aware of the dangers involved in being caught in a tropical depression that could possibly spell disaster. Usually these storms dissipate before they reach latitude 30 degrees north, but the tail end of many hurricanes do reach as far north as Ensenada. Hurricane Linda dated September 12th and 13th in 1997 was one of the largest hurricanes witnessed for years, and her influence caused hot sticky and tropical rainy days as far north as Los Angeles. This was a very volatile weather year which included an El Nino influence.

The largest hurricanes usually occur in the months of August and September, but the June appearance of warm 60 plus degree water off the coast of California this year has warned mariners of a banner year for tropical storm activity. Already, this past 5 days saw the birth and progression of the season’s fifth hurricane, Elida. The life of these storms and often the path they take is determined by the temperature of the water and the warmer the water the more violent the storm. The good result of these storms is the big south swells that cause big surf to place smiles on the faces of the local surfing clan. So let’s emphasize the positive effect of the summer storms and be aware of the possible dangers and enjoy safe and sensible yachting during this summer and early fall. Those interested in monitoring the progression of developing hurricanes should visit http://hurricane.terrapin.com/ for the latest information.

We ask a simple question

And that is all we wish:

Are fishermen all liars?

Or do only liars fish?

William Sherwood Fox