Dockmaster Prepares For The Worst

Spending as much time as he has around boats, marinas and the water, Clinton Dockmaster Tim Wahl has "seen it all."

He and boat owners at the are working hard to prepare themselves for the wrath, big or small, of Hurricane Irene.

His suggestion to boat owners along Connecticut's shore: remove your boat from the water if possible.

"If you cannot take your boat out of the water, then double-up on your lines and fenders," said Wahl.

He has the same advice for the owners of the larger sailboats that are moored - secure them as much as possible.

"Remove the sails completely, or if you cannot do that, tie them and double-up on the lines," he said.

Around the marina he and his staff are removing and securing everything and anything that can move including tables, chairs, benches, trash cans, and umbrellas.

"I've been through it before," said Wahl, who knows how to prepare for high winds and lots of water.

Wahl has lived through Hurricanes Hugo and Gloria and has seen the parking lot of and Riverside Drive engulfed in water.

"If anything I am worried about the size of the storm and the tides," he said, noting that there is a new moon which brings exceptionally high and low tides.

Folks on Cedar Island are securing their homes and boats, too, he said.

"I don't think anyone will stay on the island," he said.

Wahl is confident that Clinton will fare through the storm, however big or small it may be.

"When Hurricane Irene passes the Carolinas we will have a better idea of its path and strength," he said.

His main concern is the marina - the people and the boats.

The rest, he said, is up to Mother Nature.