Whether one’s docking the boat for the night, weathering a storm, docking, or just relaxing in the sound for a swim or barbecue, knowing legit mooring techniques comes in handy. The aim should be to continually try not to harm the boat or anyone else during the move, and to tie the vessel up to protect it, regardless of whether conditions deteriorate. That means taking a look at the guesswork of weather conditions, and the direction of the breeze, and investigating the area before narrowing: the sea floor, the buoy, and the ropes.
Choose entry
Before tying or untying, one should continually check where the breeze is blowing from and its normal direction and strength for the next few hours. Then we select a cove where, in case the buoy relaxes or breaks, no bets of the boat are being maneuvered on the rocks. The most optimal decision is a sound with the breeze suffocating the cove, not inside. The moment one sees a reasonable cove, investigate it thoroughly first. Its shape, as well as the territory, the level of the slopes, and so on, will give one an idea of how the breeze will flow in the cove. Also, we suggest navigating straight ahead to look for any potential hazards, for example, rocks jutting out of the water.
Choose the buoy
Keep in mind that few of all drifting buoys are intended for mooring. While cruising, we often come across fishing buoys that are not attached to the bed, holding only crab traps or nets. Never tie to this type of buoy! The same applies to small speedboat buoys, which are usually found in straits or harbors close to the coast. Apart from the fact that they are in many cases situated in shallow water, they have no retention limit compared to a multi-ton boat.
Externally assess the buoy
Even a seemingly bright orange buoy with a straight eyelet on top can have a rogue string underneath. The most reliable method of checking a buoy is to jump underwater and investigate on your own. A visual review is the main guarantee. Finding a worker to examine a buoy in the North Ocean would be difficult.
Move toward the buoy
If possible, one should move towards the buoy against the wind. Point the bow at the buoy and move toward it gradually. Try not to rush this, slow down a lot as one approaches the buoy. Try not to misjudge the boat’s energy, which can last for a few minutes. Also, take into account wind or flows that may help the shift or make it more troublesome.
Safety line
At night, it’s very smart to attach one more free line to the buoy opposite the bow, just for genuine serenity. Attach the second rope to one more eye on the float rope, the floating eye (assuming it is metal and strong), or anything just below the float that looks strong.