bumblefish
Well-Known Member
Med\' mooring, single handed?
Any tips or advice, other than don't. I was thinking about bows to primarily.
Any tips or advice, other than don't. I was thinking about bows to primarily.
Med' mooring, single handed?
- Thread starter bumblefish
- Start date
tcm
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Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
easiest i think is to find a "slot" between boats, fender up and use a short line to catch a mid cleat from your mid cleat alongside on v short line, everthing else can be sorted afterwards.
easiest i think is to find a "slot" between boats, fender up and use a short line to catch a mid cleat from your mid cleat alongside on v short line, everthing else can be sorted afterwards.
PuffTheMagicDragon
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Most all moored boats that I have seen were so fastened, with a line attaching their bows to a buoy, just like they were at anchor /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
If you're worried about berthing bows to a quay or a pontoon, then you don't have anything to worry about. Just make sure that you have deployed enough fenders on each side. Chances are that the place will be so crowded that you'll actually have to <u>push</u> the neighbouring boats aside to fit in. Helping hands have never been a shortage for me. In the unlikely event that no one appears to help just nudge the bows far enough between two boats that got there before you, cut the motor and walk the boat closer to the quay, hand over hand.
Bows-to is the only way to get some privacy! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Fair Winds!
Most all moored boats that I have seen were so fastened, with a line attaching their bows to a buoy, just like they were at anchor /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
If you're worried about berthing bows to a quay or a pontoon, then you don't have anything to worry about. Just make sure that you have deployed enough fenders on each side. Chances are that the place will be so crowded that you'll actually have to <u>push</u> the neighbouring boats aside to fit in. Helping hands have never been a shortage for me. In the unlikely event that no one appears to help just nudge the bows far enough between two boats that got there before you, cut the motor and walk the boat closer to the quay, hand over hand.
Bows-to is the only way to get some privacy! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Fair Winds!
joeh
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
never done it myself but have given it some thought. anchor off the stern, dinghy shore with long bow line. take in bow line, slack stern anchor line. repeat. many dinghy trips to and fro. this assumes you are totally alone with no help.
if you can come alongside another boat in the slot then tactics differ. whatcha think ?
never done it myself but have given it some thought. anchor off the stern, dinghy shore with long bow line. take in bow line, slack stern anchor line. repeat. many dinghy trips to and fro. this assumes you are totally alone with no help.
if you can come alongside another boat in the slot then tactics differ. whatcha think ?
alan
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
A lot of places in Italy (but not all by any means) have a "corpo morto"; which is a permanent line to a dead weight, so that you do not have to use your anchor. There is a light line running from the main hawser to the quay which you can pick up or someone hands you, you then pass this to the bow or stern (depending which way you have approached) and then haul up the hawser and make fast.
I have to say that single handed, with no help from the shore and with anything like a wind blowing it is not easy. However, with no wind or some shore help to make fast at least one line to the shore while you deal with the "corpo morto" it is not too hard.
Alan.
A lot of places in Italy (but not all by any means) have a "corpo morto"; which is a permanent line to a dead weight, so that you do not have to use your anchor. There is a light line running from the main hawser to the quay which you can pick up or someone hands you, you then pass this to the bow or stern (depending which way you have approached) and then haul up the hawser and make fast.
I have to say that single handed, with no help from the shore and with anything like a wind blowing it is not easy. However, with no wind or some shore help to make fast at least one line to the shore while you deal with the "corpo morto" it is not too hard.
Alan.
dralex
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Corpo Mortos ( or Lazy lines) can be a nightmare to get on quickly enough in any sort of cross wind, even with 2 of you on the boat. You have to get them pretty tight to prevent the bow ( or stern) blowing off if there are no boats either side to stop you. If you want to go bows to, you without a lazy line, you will have to use your kedge anchor over the transom. This is actually easier short or single handed as you can stay on the helm and drop the anchor. Just make sure the chain is flaked really well and will run freely. A large bucket for the chain tied to the transom is good, but can be very heavy to man handle. The hard bit about this is getting a bow line ashore- ultimately you are going to have to get off the boat unless there is someone to help. I have done a lot of med mooring and there is almost always someone willing to help, like it or not.
I think the best way is to find that boat to come alongside or go between, rig up a couple of bow lines and the drop your kedge perpedicular to the quay on the way in, ensuring you check where all the other anchor lines are going. Let it run really free, and stop the boat on engine, otherwise you will bounce back if you rely on the anchor. Once you are sure the boat is stopped and bobbing, get the bow line ashore, then tighten you kedge.
If you use a lazy line alone, a long boat hook is useful to bring it to hand.
Hope this helps.
BTW- be really careful not to get lines caught around your prop. SOme lazy lines have light floating rope to pull them up. Always check under the transom before putting the engine in gear. ( bitter experience)
Corpo Mortos ( or Lazy lines) can be a nightmare to get on quickly enough in any sort of cross wind, even with 2 of you on the boat. You have to get them pretty tight to prevent the bow ( or stern) blowing off if there are no boats either side to stop you. If you want to go bows to, you without a lazy line, you will have to use your kedge anchor over the transom. This is actually easier short or single handed as you can stay on the helm and drop the anchor. Just make sure the chain is flaked really well and will run freely. A large bucket for the chain tied to the transom is good, but can be very heavy to man handle. The hard bit about this is getting a bow line ashore- ultimately you are going to have to get off the boat unless there is someone to help. I have done a lot of med mooring and there is almost always someone willing to help, like it or not.
I think the best way is to find that boat to come alongside or go between, rig up a couple of bow lines and the drop your kedge perpedicular to the quay on the way in, ensuring you check where all the other anchor lines are going. Let it run really free, and stop the boat on engine, otherwise you will bounce back if you rely on the anchor. Once you are sure the boat is stopped and bobbing, get the bow line ashore, then tighten you kedge.
If you use a lazy line alone, a long boat hook is useful to bring it to hand.
Hope this helps.
BTW- be really careful not to get lines caught around your prop. SOme lazy lines have light floating rope to pull them up. Always check under the transom before putting the engine in gear. ( bitter experience)
temptress
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Practice, practice and practice.
Bow too single handed is usually easier than stern too. If you are comming in between two boats put fenders on both sides and nudge in the boats either side will hold you in posistion while you sort things out.
If you are using a stern anchor make sure the anchor line/chain can ru /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifn freely as you motor in. If using a pickuip line then it's even easier. The first couple of times will be a bit stressfull then you will get used to it.
I find it much easier then comming into a pontoon singlehanded.
Practice, practice and practice.
Bow too single handed is usually easier than stern too. If you are comming in between two boats put fenders on both sides and nudge in the boats either side will hold you in posistion while you sort things out.
If you are using a stern anchor make sure the anchor line/chain can ru /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifn freely as you motor in. If using a pickuip line then it's even easier. The first couple of times will be a bit stressfull then you will get used to it.
I find it much easier then comming into a pontoon singlehanded.
HBL
Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Hello
Don´t worry it´s not hard at all. The only thing to remember is to be prepared.
This was how I used to moore singelhanded here in Sweden.
Before entering the dock
1. All fenders out
2. Go to the bow and attace both your bowlines to it´s cleats and have the other ends free on deck
3. Take out your stern anchor and attache either the end of the line our pull out as much as you might need and then add a couple of meters to be shure.
( In the beginning it could be a good idea to premark your anchor line at let´s say every 10 meter. In that way you can estimate better ex. you drop the anchor at 20 meters from the dock then you attache the line to the cleat at 30 meter or so.)
It´s really not that importen to be exact at this moment just be sure to pay out EXTRA. the importen thing here is that you have the anchor line attached to the boat before you trow the anchor overboard
Now you are clear and ready to proceed. Take a deep breath and start
4. Go towards the dock at slow speed and drop your anchor where you intended and hold the line in one hand and the tiller/wheel in the other so it don´t get caught in the prop and slowly aproach the dock and adjust speed.
5. When you are about 2 meters from the dock put the engine in neutral and drop the anchorline that you are holding in your hand, and forget about it for the moment, and go forward and jump on to the dock holding ONE of the prepared bowlines and attache it to the dock and then jump back to the boat.
PRESTO.......... Your boat is now safely attached with the dock and the anchor
6. Go directly to the stern and take in most but NOT all of the anchor line and tie it again to the cleat.
7. Go back to the bow and jump back to the dock with the second bowline and attache it to the dock.
RELAX ..........a bit
8. Jump back aboard and adjust the bowlines properly
9. Go to the stern and adjust the anchor line properly
10. Sit down int the cockpit and enjoy the fact that a lot of people will admire what you just did.
The whole point about this is that you very fast (less than 30 seconds)will be attached with one line in the bow and one line in the stern. It will of coure be some slack in the beginning but the boat will not mowe very much and as you do this a couple of times you will know how much slack you need for the anchor line
The whole operation takes less than 1 minute
I suggest you do this one or two times in calm weather as a trainig and after that you will be able to do this in any weather. I did it and I shure was a novice when I started
I promise you that it is not hard at all
Good Luck
Cheers
Hans
Hello
Don´t worry it´s not hard at all. The only thing to remember is to be prepared.
This was how I used to moore singelhanded here in Sweden.
Before entering the dock
1. All fenders out
2. Go to the bow and attace both your bowlines to it´s cleats and have the other ends free on deck
3. Take out your stern anchor and attache either the end of the line our pull out as much as you might need and then add a couple of meters to be shure.
( In the beginning it could be a good idea to premark your anchor line at let´s say every 10 meter. In that way you can estimate better ex. you drop the anchor at 20 meters from the dock then you attache the line to the cleat at 30 meter or so.)
It´s really not that importen to be exact at this moment just be sure to pay out EXTRA. the importen thing here is that you have the anchor line attached to the boat before you trow the anchor overboard
Now you are clear and ready to proceed. Take a deep breath and start
4. Go towards the dock at slow speed and drop your anchor where you intended and hold the line in one hand and the tiller/wheel in the other so it don´t get caught in the prop and slowly aproach the dock and adjust speed.
5. When you are about 2 meters from the dock put the engine in neutral and drop the anchorline that you are holding in your hand, and forget about it for the moment, and go forward and jump on to the dock holding ONE of the prepared bowlines and attache it to the dock and then jump back to the boat.
PRESTO.......... Your boat is now safely attached with the dock and the anchor
6. Go directly to the stern and take in most but NOT all of the anchor line and tie it again to the cleat.
7. Go back to the bow and jump back to the dock with the second bowline and attache it to the dock.
RELAX ..........a bit
8. Jump back aboard and adjust the bowlines properly
9. Go to the stern and adjust the anchor line properly
10. Sit down int the cockpit and enjoy the fact that a lot of people will admire what you just did.
The whole point about this is that you very fast (less than 30 seconds)will be attached with one line in the bow and one line in the stern. It will of coure be some slack in the beginning but the boat will not mowe very much and as you do this a couple of times you will know how much slack you need for the anchor line
The whole operation takes less than 1 minute
I suggest you do this one or two times in calm weather as a trainig and after that you will be able to do this in any weather. I did it and I shure was a novice when I started
I promise you that it is not hard at all
Good Luck
Cheers
Hans
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
HI Alan,
Agree with you. In Spain, there is nearly always a marinero to offer you the stern line and take your bow lines, but as you rightly say (and I've done it loads of times!) it certainly isn't easy unless there are boats either side, or the wind's lightish.
My efforts did improve with practise though!
Cheers Jerry
HI Alan,
Agree with you. In Spain, there is nearly always a marinero to offer you the stern line and take your bow lines, but as you rightly say (and I've done it loads of times!) it certainly isn't easy unless there are boats either side, or the wind's lightish.
My efforts did improve with practise though!
Cheers Jerry
andy_wilson
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Lot must depend upon type of yacht and helm position.
1. Fender up well and nestle between 2 existing moored yachts, attach to them then do your own lines.
2. As above but using just one existing moored yacht. Choose carefully dependant upon wind.
3. If you can control stern anchor from helm (eg through stern fairlead, round winch then to your hand), arange stern anchor and drop, paying out against throttle until it bites then onwards until nose is near quay. Hold in tension on engine with helm lashed while you arrange bow lines.
4. Always consider escape rout in event of gust of wind, anchor drag etc.
Lot must depend upon type of yacht and helm position.
1. Fender up well and nestle between 2 existing moored yachts, attach to them then do your own lines.
2. As above but using just one existing moored yacht. Choose carefully dependant upon wind.
3. If you can control stern anchor from helm (eg through stern fairlead, round winch then to your hand), arange stern anchor and drop, paying out against throttle until it bites then onwards until nose is near quay. Hold in tension on engine with helm lashed while you arrange bow lines.
4. Always consider escape rout in event of gust of wind, anchor drag etc.
cliffb
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
I'm with HBL on this one, although not done it single-handed myself. Virtually all the places I've been have had lazy-lines. But take care... a friend of mine was handed a lazy line by an onshore 'helper' only to find that it was for the next door 'berth'. Hence the pick-up line went under the transom and fouled the prop! Strangely, the 'helper' burggered off quite smartly!
If you had a remote operated bow windlass, then a stern to approach would be easier, and getting on/off a lot easier. But as you say, less privacy. It depends on how easy it is for you to get off at your pulpit. After a few goes you'll find the best compromise I'm sure. Either way, to start, I'd take it all VERY slowly...
Wish I was there myself, instead of wondering what the Firth of Clyde has in store for me this weekend! Looks like clear weather...But no freakin wind!!!
I'm with HBL on this one, although not done it single-handed myself. Virtually all the places I've been have had lazy-lines. But take care... a friend of mine was handed a lazy line by an onshore 'helper' only to find that it was for the next door 'berth'. Hence the pick-up line went under the transom and fouled the prop! Strangely, the 'helper' burggered off quite smartly!
If you had a remote operated bow windlass, then a stern to approach would be easier, and getting on/off a lot easier. But as you say, less privacy. It depends on how easy it is for you to get off at your pulpit. After a few goes you'll find the best compromise I'm sure. Either way, to start, I'd take it all VERY slowly...
Wish I was there myself, instead of wondering what the Firth of Clyde has in store for me this weekend! Looks like clear weather...But no freakin wind!!!
bumblefish
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
What about mooring stern to. If I drop anchor would it be possible to control the release from the cockpit in some way whilst reversing, without remote control? I thought if I was not using much chain I could run the rode back to a cockpit winch in some way????
What about mooring stern to. If I drop anchor would it be possible to control the release from the cockpit in some way whilst reversing, without remote control? I thought if I was not using much chain I could run the rode back to a cockpit winch in some way????
Melody
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Watched my husband come in stern-to single handed in a very strong cross-wind a couple of weeks ago, and decided that we must get a control for the windlass in the cockpit - preferably at the wheel!
We have an electric windlass but the cable only reaches back to just foreward of the cockpit. He lengthened the cable specifically for situations like this.
As several people have said, preparation is a key factor, and being well-fendered reassures the boats you are aiming between!
As he had to keep running between wheel and anchor control and there was a big wind it took a while, but he dropped the anchor and some chain, let in get dug in, then kept letting out about 5 metres of chain and steering astern. He did have to go forward a couple of times to reposition as the wind had blown him off while he moved between the two positions.
He managed to throw me a line ashore, but another options would have been to use the yacht he was mooring next to. I think its easier to pass lines ashore from the stern where the wheel is, assuming that you don't have a centre cockpit boat, and this would be my main reason for going stern-to.
Watched my husband come in stern-to single handed in a very strong cross-wind a couple of weeks ago, and decided that we must get a control for the windlass in the cockpit - preferably at the wheel!
We have an electric windlass but the cable only reaches back to just foreward of the cockpit. He lengthened the cable specifically for situations like this.
As several people have said, preparation is a key factor, and being well-fendered reassures the boats you are aiming between!
As he had to keep running between wheel and anchor control and there was a big wind it took a while, but he dropped the anchor and some chain, let in get dug in, then kept letting out about 5 metres of chain and steering astern. He did have to go forward a couple of times to reposition as the wind had blown him off while he moved between the two positions.
He managed to throw me a line ashore, but another options would have been to use the yacht he was mooring next to. I think its easier to pass lines ashore from the stern where the wheel is, assuming that you don't have a centre cockpit boat, and this would be my main reason for going stern-to.
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
Hi Melody,
You are quite right about having a control for the windlass at the steering position. I fitted a simple two-way switch (up-down) at the back of the cockpit to duel the foredeck switch before our second trip to/thro the Med. having learnt, as you have, of the advantages.
As I singlehand a lot, I use this after switch much more than the foredeck one.
CHeers Jerry
Hi Melody,
You are quite right about having a control for the windlass at the steering position. I fitted a simple two-way switch (up-down) at the back of the cockpit to duel the foredeck switch before our second trip to/thro the Med. having learnt, as you have, of the advantages.
As I singlehand a lot, I use this after switch much more than the foredeck one.
CHeers Jerry
Sea Devil
Well-Known Member
Re: Med\' mooring, single handed?
When I was in the Med I did the stern too, single handed, fairly frequently - not difficult except in a very long keel yacht and even then....
The point is that the anchor at the bows actually makes it easier to go in astern as it holds the head of the boat - works like this..
Put out fenders + stern fender, stern warp(s) move anchor to instant drop position and decide on 'slot' to park in.
Put the boat, stern too, a bit up wind of the slot - (bit = depends how much/strength cross wind.)
If you have an electric windlass that will not let the chain run free then just deliver enoough chain onto the sea bed to allow the boat to reach its final stopping place then tighten up afterwards. (this technique should not be used on proper anchorages in case of anchor wrap)
Not less than 3 boat lengths from slot entrance, with stern facing slot more or less) leave cockpit and drop hook and some chain - leave rest free to run out or run all out.
Return to cockpit and start going astern towards slot. You will be surprised how well the head of the boat lays to the anchor even with the chain running out. (This is much easier than going astern into a marina berth without an anchor.)
When close to the quay wall either throw and ask someone or make fast yourself the lines on the stern to the wall. Having done that put her in tick over ahead to hold off the wall.
Go to the bows and winch in / pull in the the anchor chain till it hold firmly - take her out of gear and spend a little time fixing the stern lines and making the bow anchor snug.
really, really easy - with poor holding start more than 3 boat lengths away so the 'pick' has time to drag a bit before digging in...
If you have an electric windlas that will not let the chain run out freely then you should drop more than enough chain in the first place - in a heap on the sea bed - to allow the boat to reach its final parking place - then tighten up - do not use this technique in an anchorage in case of anchor wrap...
When I was in the Med I did the stern too, single handed, fairly frequently - not difficult except in a very long keel yacht and even then....
The point is that the anchor at the bows actually makes it easier to go in astern as it holds the head of the boat - works like this..
Put out fenders + stern fender, stern warp(s) move anchor to instant drop position and decide on 'slot' to park in.
Put the boat, stern too, a bit up wind of the slot - (bit = depends how much/strength cross wind.)
If you have an electric windlass that will not let the chain run free then just deliver enoough chain onto the sea bed to allow the boat to reach its final stopping place then tighten up afterwards. (this technique should not be used on proper anchorages in case of anchor wrap)
Not less than 3 boat lengths from slot entrance, with stern facing slot more or less) leave cockpit and drop hook and some chain - leave rest free to run out or run all out.
Return to cockpit and start going astern towards slot. You will be surprised how well the head of the boat lays to the anchor even with the chain running out. (This is much easier than going astern into a marina berth without an anchor.)
When close to the quay wall either throw and ask someone or make fast yourself the lines on the stern to the wall. Having done that put her in tick over ahead to hold off the wall.
Go to the bows and winch in / pull in the the anchor chain till it hold firmly - take her out of gear and spend a little time fixing the stern lines and making the bow anchor snug.
really, really easy - with poor holding start more than 3 boat lengths away so the 'pick' has time to drag a bit before digging in...
If you have an electric windlas that will not let the chain run out freely then you should drop more than enough chain in the first place - in a heap on the sea bed - to allow the boat to reach its final parking place - then tighten up - do not use this technique in an anchorage in case of anchor wrap...
tedgorton
Active Member
My experience is mostly limited to the Ionian Islands (Ithaka, Cephalonia, Paxos, etc) where "lazy lines" are a rarity and pretty easy to avoid if you are single-handed. So I choose places where the usual stern-to mooring with bow anchor laid is the drill or where I can just ignore the lazy lines. If you must moor where there are lazy lines, this can be done provided the anchor is dropped far enough out there is no problem with fouling their mooring gear. they will usually comme out and shout at you not to do it, though.
I have a remote (wireless) windlass control that is invaluable for single-handed mooring. it hangs around my neck on a strap and is waterproof, even floats.
So I put all fenders out, tie off two stern warps and bring them outside the rails, coiled neatly for throwing. Then get 4-5 lengths away from the dock to begin my approach. anchor goes down as far out as possible, say 40 metres in 5-8 metres of water which is average. One hand on the throttle and one on the windlass remote, and back she goes. stop the windlass half a length away and test (briefly) for holding, out again if it is mushy. If all is well, let out remaining chain while reversing against the windlass (gets noisy), at last minute engine in neutral and jump astern to toss upwind line to friendly neighbour. when they see you are on your own there are ALWAYS plenty of helpers. Just don't always take their advice!
once one line is cleated off everything else can be tweaked at leisure, the stressful minute is over and the glass of wine well-deserved.
that said, the windlass remote is a lot less useful for weighing anchor given the tendency of many modern yachts for the chain to bunch up. but there is no problem with going forward once you are clear off the dock, no engine required as the windlass pulls you out.
HOWEVER the brilliant feature of a wireless remote is that you can even jump off to secure the boat if there is nobody around, and if the boat pulls away just let out some more chain and pull it back.
I have a remote (wireless) windlass control that is invaluable for single-handed mooring. it hangs around my neck on a strap and is waterproof, even floats.
So I put all fenders out, tie off two stern warps and bring them outside the rails, coiled neatly for throwing. Then get 4-5 lengths away from the dock to begin my approach. anchor goes down as far out as possible, say 40 metres in 5-8 metres of water which is average. One hand on the throttle and one on the windlass remote, and back she goes. stop the windlass half a length away and test (briefly) for holding, out again if it is mushy. If all is well, let out remaining chain while reversing against the windlass (gets noisy), at last minute engine in neutral and jump astern to toss upwind line to friendly neighbour. when they see you are on your own there are ALWAYS plenty of helpers. Just don't always take their advice!
once one line is cleated off everything else can be tweaked at leisure, the stressful minute is over and the glass of wine well-deserved.
that said, the windlass remote is a lot less useful for weighing anchor given the tendency of many modern yachts for the chain to bunch up. but there is no problem with going forward once you are clear off the dock, no engine required as the windlass pulls you out.
HOWEVER the brilliant feature of a wireless remote is that you can even jump off to secure the boat if there is nobody around, and if the boat pulls away just let out some more chain and pull it back.