Quote:
Originally Posted by MAXUM
I never let any weather prevent me from getting to the island, but it's a darn good excuse to keep me there and spend an extra day or two  |
I agree. Most islanders go out in any weather, but they've also arranged themselves for a short commute. It's not like leaving Paugus Bay and cruising to Alton Bay for an ice cream. When you're on the island and it's blowing straight in, you have the option of walking across the island to visit friends on the lee shore.
More to the point for the OP: Your planning and reaction to weather will develop as you find favorite cruising routes and destinations. That will also develop your sense of when to raise the anchor and head home. If you are the last boat to leave the sand bar, maybe you stayed too long?
Great suggestion above about the VHF. I have one on the boat, and a portable that I keep in the house on charge. The weather stations (Wx button) give local area forecasts that are updated routinely and updated immediately when storms develop. Monitoring Channel 16, you will hear occasional announcements about significant weather phenomena.
Consider that your comfort level is different for different types of boats. I ride inside my boat, surrounded by hull, windshield, etc. A 'tooner rides on top of his boat, not so much freeboard, but perhaps a more stable ride.
Finally, listen to the weatherman. S/he will tell you, from June to September, "Hot, humid, hazy, possible thunderstorms in the afternoon."