A lot of the second hand boats we have for sale in Essex are sailing boats. We have Moody yachts for sale, racing yachts for sale, Jeanneau boats for sale and much more. When you’re thinking of berthing or mooring your yacht do you ever find yourself daunted by crowded conditions? Manoeuvring under sail is much easier in less crowded harbours. It can be quite intimidating with an audience watching you mooring and anchoring. However, all mooring and anchoring, under sail or power, should be done slowly, with an awareness of the wind and the tide.

How to Berth a Yacht

Which way does your propeller turn? At very low speeds it will move your boat sideways in a particular direction. You can use this to your advantage when berthing.

When mooring in an unfamiliar place check the tidal flow on a mooring buoy or pile.

Operate the engine gently when reversing, unless you have a folding propeller.

Consider the variables that will affect your approach or departure as well as the turning characteristics and drifting attitude of your boat. This will help you to alert everyone to any potential dangers.

Ropes and fenders are your friend, speed is your enemy!

In case of emergency – have an escape route planned out. It’s better to abandon a bad approach than to crash…

Use reverse as a brake. To steer in reverse, push the tiller away in the opposite direction to that which you want the stern to go.

There’s a lot more to learn of course, and one never really stops learning when you are sailing and boating. You’re welcome to come along to learn a bit about safe boat handling with qualified RYA instructors at Fambridge Yacht Haven’s RYA Active Marina Launch on 19th May.

However, if you prefer power boats to sailing boats then vote in our Facebook poll, because at the moment sailing is winning! See poll results.

Peggy Melmoth

You may also like:
Thinking about selling your boat? / Essex Boys to Sail Around Britian / RYA Active Marina Launch on 19th May / A slideshow of our boat of the moment. Blog Archive

New here? Follow our blog on Facebook or Twitter and leave us a comment.

You can now get updates from this blog by email.