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Tricky manouver, any advice?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by junglejim, Jun 9, 2008.

  1. junglejim, Jun 9, 2008
    #1
    junglejim

    junglejim New Member

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    Hey, just after a couple of tips from anyone with experience.

    I have moved over to the med and am wondering how best to tackle the med style mooring. I am used to coming alongside.

    It is a 70ft motorcruiser with twin screws and bow thruster.

    In the marina, you have to reverse to the quay pick up the head line and make it fast whilst also tying the stern to the quay.

    It is actually pretty simple when there are boats on either side as you just slot in and the boats either side keep you in position.

    However when there are not boats on either side and there is a crosswind it becomes very complicated.

    I back in, and try to get the head line on as quickly as possible, however while we are waiting for all lines to be secured we are blown sideways.

    I can't make the stern lines fast then engage ahead as there is too much tension on the lines.

    Anyone got any suggestions?

    Thanks
  2. AMG, Jun 9, 2008
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Hi, you are often allowed to use your anchors and when secured the harbour diver lifts the anchor(s) for you. In Monaco this is the normal way of mooring.
  3. junglejim, Jun 9, 2008
    #3
    junglejim

    junglejim New Member

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    Fraid not here. They have a line attached to the bottom which is then tied to the marina wall where a line handler picks it up and passes it to the crew.
  4. AMG, Jun 9, 2008
    #4
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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  5. Pascal, Jun 9, 2008
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    keeping the stern in position is easy by splitting the engines. You can also use the rudders as the prop wash from the engine that's in forward will help push the stern sideways (up wind).

    and with a bow thruster you dont' have to worry about the bow, you can control it while your crew fasten the bow line.
  6. AMG, Jun 9, 2008
    #6
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Be also careful with the lines that comes out from the wall, they can easely come into your props. Also when you leave, be sure that the lines sink to the bottom and that no inventive diver has put them around a prop to get more biz...
  7. Ken Bracewell, Jun 9, 2008
    #7
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Just practice lots and it will be less intimidating.
    When it's really wind and I can't hold dead-beam into the wind, I will wiggle to windward by alternating between focusing on the bow and then the stern alternatively.
    As Lars said though, dropping an anchor will always help if you're allowed. A little tension on the windlass will allow the weight of the ground tackle to stabilize your bow.
  8. junglejim, Jun 9, 2008
    #8
    junglejim

    junglejim New Member

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    Thanks all, I'm sure it'll get easier with time.
  9. CODOG, Jun 9, 2008
    #9
    CODOG

    CODOG Senior Member

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  10. olliwood, Jul 16, 2008
    #10
    olliwood

    olliwood New Member

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    Mooring

    JIM, get the stern lines on and leave them long, try to get a spring on if you can to stop the boat from moving sideways, move ahead and get the bow line and then winch the boat back. If you are day tripping ,leave your lines on the dock and mark each one with a bit of tape to signal your correct mooring position. Mark the bow line with a bit of tape and the guy on the bow can generally pull up the bow line by hand avoiding putting it on the winch and using a stopper and then just pull up on the stern. Send me a mail with your new number. Hamish