Picking up a mooring buoy

[Corribee Boy]

It certainly is possible to pull the buoy from the riser by lassoing. I know because we actually did it to our own mooring - it pulled the top eye right out through the buoy, resulting in the heap of chain on the seabed scenario.

embarrassing when I do it, very irritating if someone else had done it.

 

[prv]

The RYA does not advocate this method. There are no RYA publications or course notes which suggest lassooing a buoy.

I'll have to check next time I'm on the boat, but I think the Comp Crew booklet I keep on board for beginners does advocate it.

Pete

 

[Solitaire]

I'll have to check next time I'm on the boat, but I think the Comp Crew booklet I keep on board for beginners does advocate it.

Pete

There are publications that do show the technique. But I can tell you now, that the individual featured in that video will be spitting feathers at this thread. There are a variety of ways as has been shown as to how to pick up a buoy. I can say that I NEVER teach the lassoing method at either Helmsman or Day Skipper level. I treat picking up a buoy as a method of boat control and crew communication (as shown in the first two methods in the video). It is instilling an understanding of approaching the buoy and control that are the key elements.

If at Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster, a skipper chooses to use the "chuck a rope" over the buoy method I will always ask if there is not a better way! OK, I have done it, but that was circumstantial rather than an option. I treat mooring buoys as if I am visiting somebody's home - I would not lounge with my feet up on their sofa!

As the principal of an RYA training centre I would not want any of my instructors simply using the lasso method because it was easy. Note to self: put such in operations manual!

My normal method of buoy retrieval instruction is come up into the wind/tide/stream and work out where the bow will go once the way is taken right off . I have had occasions where the wind has been so strong that a bows on approach was nigh on impossible, so a stern approach is easier option, the boat backs into the wind much better astern than ahead.

I get very bored with people who seem to want to put "rules" for everything. The boat itself will tell you how to best sort out the issues. The helm is simply there to coax and read the signs. There is no right or wrong way, just how you respond at a given time. And an understanding of the basic pivot points are the fundamental to everything and the fact there are four ways to make the boat do the same thing.

 

[mikemanor]

I'll have to check next time I'm on the boat, but I think the Comp Crew booklet I keep on board for beginners does advocate it.

Pete

It doesn't. "Picking up a mooring buoy" is on page 50 of the current Comp Crew course book. No mention of Lassooing at all.
Lassooing is only mentioned in respect of securing a line to a man overboard, and that is in the Day Skipper Practical course notes - page55
When teaching I only discuss lassooing buoys in terms of an absolute emergency must get the buoy type of situation. It is not an everyday routine method that I teach.

 

[NormanS]

A minute ago I was damaging the mousing. WHich is it?
I remain unconviced that it creates undue force. The chain doubles over and the force on the buoy if anything reduces. A lasso would need to slide up a chain to increase the force as you suggest and this it does not do.
I am as unconvinced by your argument as all previous attenpts to convince me and I will continue to lasso buoys.

I know that I am probably wasting my time here, as logic is obviously not your strong suit, but perhaps you would like to try to explain the mechanics of your statement above.

Please explain why "the chain doubles over and the force on the buoy if anything reduces".
And also please explain why the lasso doesn't slide up the chain. What stops it, other than the buoy?

Please also read, and consider, the post from Corribee Boy.

Also, can you confirm that lassooing buoys is recommended, or not, by the RYA?

 

[Solitaire]

Also, can you confirm that lassooing buoys is recommended, or not, by the RYA?

See my post above!

 

[NormanS]

See my post above!

Yes, thanks for that. I'm a slow typer.

 

[Solitaire]

It doesn't.
When teaching I only discuss lassooing buoys in terms of an absolute emergency must get the buoy type of situation. It is not an everyday routine method that I teach.

and that makes 2!

 

[Jonmendez]

Well as the man in the video I am not sure I want to comment, but here goes...
The lasso technique is yet another method of teaching boat control and crew communication, its also is one of many methods for attaching to a SUITABLE mooring buoy for a temporary period. Note the buoy in question has a moulded in large loop at the base, which wont pull off, how do I know - its MY buoy! Like all videos the clip is optimised to cover the maximum in the minimum time, so it wont please everybody. The RYA despite many misconceptions don't have any specific methods for very much, just techniques that you can pick in out off to use in your tool box of boating skills.

Jon

 

[Solitaire]

The RYA despite many misconceptions don't have any specific methods for very much, just techniques that you can pick in out off to use in your tool box of boating skills.

Jon

I wish people would understand this. The RYA do not prescribe to us, we interpret based on our own skills and experience . All Yachtmaster instructors are examined by the RYA, as from next year, all Cruising Instructors will also be examined directly. That reminds me, I have my 5 year assessment coming up. Not only are schools examined annually, so are instructors every 5 years. How time flys!

 

[prv]

"Picking up a mooring buoy" is on page 50 of the current Comp Crew course book. No mention of Lassooing at all.
Lassooing is only mentioned in respect of securing a line to a man overboard, and that is in the Day Skipper Practical course notes - page55

On their Web site, the RYA list lassooing as first choice if the mooring doesn't have a pickup buoy: http://www.rya.org.uk/cruising/handling-sail/Pages/Asktheexpertsbasicmanouvering.aspx

I appreciate that in general they try to avoid preaching a single "RYA Way", but clearly some people are going to come away with the impression that this is an everyday technique.

Anybody taught by Elessar, for a start.

Pete

 

[Quest]

Thanks all. The thread certainly prompted a few strong opinions, but from my point of view, plenty of food for thought too. I look forward to spending my first night on a buoy sometime soon...
Andrew