65
SVN Solovelanet Global
gnals on the land such as flags or trees to gauge
the wind direction near your berth. Once you know
this you can use these elements as a 'natural brake'
by maneuvering against them. This will allow you to
maintain control of direction and speed and by using
natural forces only when they will do the job for you.
The golden rule when approaching a berth is to take
all the time you need. This is the key that allows you
to consider all the elements and plan the maneuvre
wisely.
Solo docking (Picture n°3 - down below)
This method can be used when sailing single or
short-handed, and usually when the wind blows you
away from the pontoon. Set a mooring warp in a big
loop from the stern cleat to the mid-ship cleat, and
then slowly approach your berth. Once alongside,
pass the loop over a dock cleat and then put the
engine forward enough so as to rotate until the fen-
ders touch the dock. Now you can leave the gear
forward with the line under tension in order to have
all the time you need to rig all the usual stern and
bow lines and springs on the dock. Once each of
the warps is properly set, you can put the gear in
neutral, remove the loop, turn off the engine – and
have a beer!
3
Stefano Cioni, Ocean Yachtmaster Instructor
at the Royal Yachting Association, MCA Ma-
ster, MCA approved Yacht Surveyor
Training Skipper at the Sir Robin Knox-John-
ston's Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
The author
A floating ring around
the pile is one of many
systems to tie up in
tidal areas
