How to tow and how to be towed

[Twister_Ken]

Interesting question, the bowsprit.

Never been there, but maybe you could induce a sheer of the towed vessel so that the towline in coming in on one bow or the other, and not from straight ahead?

 

[Pye_End]

Indeed I can take the tow rope about a foot from the centreline, although I am not convinced that the fairlead would be up to it. It would also give quite an angle back to the sampson post, incrasing the chances of it breaking.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Wasn't thinking that so much as taking the towline over bow (like a mooring warp) but applying a little bit of rudder when being towed, to keep her to one side of the towing vessel, so that the tow line is coming in at an angle, clear of the bobstay, forestay etc.

 

[Pye_End]

With you now.

Very true, but assuming that it is rough and the conditions are against you, is it possible to do this in practice?

 

[Twister_Ken]

Not sure, but I suspect so. I've sheered away from a mooring in nasty conditions to get into deeper and slightly less bumpy water.