How to navigate with google earth

PRACTICAL SEAMANSHIP

PHOTOS: COLIN WORK

MARCH 2016 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com 37

Once alongside, leave her in forward with enough revs to hold her

there and tie off the helm as belt-and-braces to make sure she doesn’t

ease of the dock. Then step ashore with the bow line and secure it

Now all you do is wait and try not to look too smug as she glides
gracefully alongside. Don’t be afraid to use the throttle to speed up or
slow down your rate of turn so she lands softly but fi rmly on the dock

If you’re trying to push the bow into a particularly strong breeze, put

the helm hard over. The propwash over the rudder will help to push the

stern out and the bow in. If it’s not working, give her a few more revs

Now engage forward gear. With the stern line on the quarter and the
prop on the centreline, a turning moment is formed that will push the
bow towards the dock with a force governed by the revs you use

Approach the pontoon stern to the wind. That way the bow can’t blow

off and you can control your approach easily using the throttle. Once

you’re within range, drop the bight of stern line over the pontoon cleat

Port side to, or starboard side to? Once you know, rig lines and fenders
but use a bight, or loop, as the stern line, just long enough to drop over
a cleat on the pontoon, and a big fender on the nearside quarter

Coming onto a windward berth solo

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