13. Picking up a mooring buoy
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Ensure dinghy painter tied off short on the bow or amidships and clear of
the prop.
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Approach mooring buoy, keeping the bow into the wind or current,
whichever prevails.
•
Have a crew member on the bow to pick up the mooring pennant with the
boat hook.
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The bowman will direct the helmsman to the mooring, using the already
established non verbal communication system. Once at the mooring,
inspect the buoy and pennant for any signs of wear and tear - generally
the overnight moorings are well maintained, the day balls to a lesser
degree. If you are ever unsure about a mooring buoy’s integrity, choose
another location to moor up.
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Attach the bridle to the pennant using the attached clip
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Once set you will have a bridle around the bow of the boat holding the
yacht head to wind, remember to centralize wheel and lock in place to
avoid the yacht sailing around the buoy.
•
Now set up a second back up line. Go directly to the mooring buoy if
possible. It is always easier to do this from the dinghy.
•
To depart, slowly motor the yacht forward to create slack, release the clip
from the pennant and allow the pennant to drop into the water. Fall back
with the wind or current, and be careful not to foul your prop on the
pennant.
•
Remember to tie your dinghy away from the stern whenever you
are maneuvering in close quarters
