SEAMANSHIP
1
Alan turns around to come back. This time the wind is
helping, by encouraging the boat to weather-cock.3
More bow-thruster is needed to ensure the boat is parallel
with the pontoon by the time the stern is level with its end.5
The right-handed prop encourages the stern to port while
the bow-thruster compensates for the wind on the bow,
which is not in the lee of the boat to windward.
7
Another nudge with the bow-thruster brings the boat in close
enough for Alan to secure the centre spring. Once that’s on,
he’s going nowhere.
2
Moving forward very gently, Alan starts the turn to port with
the bow-thruster. There’s only another boat-length or so to the
end of the run, so no easy escape route with the wind from astern.4
Alan gets it spot on and starts to reverse into the berth...6
This is looking good. Using the rudder won’t help in this
situation but the bow-thruster is used to determine the angle
of approach.8
Finally, on with the forward and aft springs and the
breast lines and it’s mission accomplished....and getting back in