214 seamanship secrets
Have a small, light kedge-type anchor ready to toss over the stern. A small
Bruce, Danforth, or grapnel will work well to slow or stop the boat. Make sure
the anchor line leads from the cleat, outboard, and back over the stern pulpit to
the anchor.- Ready your fenders and boathook. Many boats enter marinas with fenders
neatly hung, yet there is no crewmember ready with a portable roving fender.
Bend a line onto a spare fender and direct one crewmember to move about
the boat (rove), fending as needed. Have the boathook ready and on deck.
Stress to the crew that they are not to use their hands or feet for fending off. - Mainsail, headsail, or bare poles? A single- or double-reefed mainsail should
provide more than enough momentum for steerage during your approach.
Depower the main by lowering it just enough so the boat remains under
complete control. If you have lazyjacks, keep the battens clear of the rigging
when you lower the main. If you are reaching or running, lower the main
completely once you have good steerageway. Many boats sail quite well under
bare poles. Aft er lowering the main, raise the topping lift and sheet the boom
When entering a slip under sail, rig two spring lines on the bow and slip them over pilings
as soon as possible upon entering the slip. Precautionary measures to take include rigging a
stern anchor and making sure your bow anchor and tackle are ready to deploy. Have crew
ready with roving fenders and a boathook.