He took a private ball on a lee shore in a big North swell. Not to much more he could have done wrong. The overnight public moorings will be fine. [/quote]

Emphasis on the BIG North swell (I came by there at same time and pointed out how big the surf was at Savannah Bay.

I have heard "I was on the same ball a few days before and all was well"..... BUT the conditions were tremendously different (I was on a nearby ball the week before for a lunch stop9with owner of ball permission) and there was no swell and very calm). Places that are perfectly calm one day can be unsafe on another day. Numerous discussions on Cane Garden Bay during a North Swell.

Choosing as safe anchorage for the conditions is basic and very critical decision for any captain.