60
SVN Solovelanet Global
Alongside a finger or a harbour wall?
Marinas usually have dredged bottoms and floating
pontoons which slide up and down large anchored
piles. This arrangement keeps the boat moored in
the same way regardless of the tide. When, however,
there are no such piers, it is necessary to adjust your
mooring line in such way as to allow the boat to go
up and down with the tide. The quay is usually just
a wall with rings, bollards or cleats on top, and me-
tal or timber posts about one meter apart to protect
yachts as they come alongside from hitting the wall.
There have also long ladders so that you can climb
up from your boat even at low water.
When planning your approach, you should aim to
stop so that one of these ladders will be amidships
for ease of use, and so that the fenders will be con-
veniently placed in relation to the posts. Fenders
which dangle horizontally may pop out to the side
when in contact with the ladder or posts and beco-
me less effective – you can get around this by using
sausage fenders tied horizontally at both ends, or
with a fender board.
Pass a short line through the ladder at the closest
step to the deck amidships. This will be enough to
secure the boat while you climb up, prepare all the
other lines and adjust the fenders.
Needing long lines
As said, the biggest challenge in mooring alongside
a harbour wall is to ensure that the boat will rise and
On top, a marina with floating
pontoons
In the middle, tidal sill of Jersey
Marina with the tide gauge and
traffic light.
At the bottom, a tidal quay
