DOCKING AND ANCHORING
When docking or anchoring, several things should be mentioned for your's
and the boat's safety. Become familiar with the characteristics of your
steering and engine control systems. You will notice that the boat
behaves very differently in forward than in reverse and that backing
down must be done slowly with great care. Approach the dock or
anchorage slowly with gear stowed and the least amount of movement about
the boat as possible. In the case of docking, boat fenders and dock
lines should be readied and if need be, assistance requested from
dockside. When mooring, have the mooring hook ready and a clear fore
deck for secure footing. When docking, tie off your lines properly. Do
not use the genoa winch or cleat for dead ending a dock line and use
springlines. When tying off to a piling or other fixed object, allow
enough slack to compensate for the rise and fall of the tide •
Anchoring can be a very involved process. Tide changes, crosswinds,
tight quarters, rocks, and varying bottom conditions are some of the
things you should be aware of when selecting a suitable mooring or
anchorage. Get advice and study up on the many variations of anchoring.
Most important to safety though is to make sure the bitter end of the
anchor rode is securely fastened and that the line can run free without
entangling itselff, something, or someone. When leaving the boat, make
sure that the DC panel is off, unless set to power an electric bilge
pump. All ports and hatches should be dogged down tight or locked ;
sails properly stowed or tied off, all chafing gear set in place, and
the certerboard in the up position.
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