Protection is my primary anchoring tool. So when a named storm is predicted, timing is everything!

Wait too long and you'll very likely have missed the best protected spots to boats that decided to seek shelter before you. Then as the window closes, you may have a more accurate storm path to consider,... but your range in a sailboat becomes smaller as the storm approaches... Tough stuff!

That was the case with Irene. I left late and chose Pulpit Harbor because I expected to drop two anchors in the soft mud way up inside Cabot Cove. But a big Cat beat me to it. With space closing up, I decided the outer more open area of Pulpit Harbor was a good choice. And it was with 50 knots the max wind.

Later than I was, I watched friend Ben Ellison of Panbo come in with Gizmo for shelter. He too headed into Cabot Cove only to find it chock full of boats on the few moorings and limited anchor space. So Ben dropped his hook(s?) just inside Cabot Cove which was also very protected. That idea that hadn't occurred to me.

For me for anchoring, anytime, location is #1. But for storms I've learned, location and timing are both #1!

But don't give up hope when secure protection is scarce. Think it through, there may be options.

Away from your known home waters, storm protection is even trickier.