Harbour Maneuvers

  1. Berthing upwind singlehanded

The method for berthing upwind singlehanded is to prepare a long provisional front line and fenders on both sides which are attached but lie on the inside oft he toerails waiting tob e kicked outside. I approach the berth with very low speed, just enough to keep a good maneuverability against the wind. As soon as I have passed the mooring posts I kick the fenders overboard on both sides. With the stern oft he boat just between the mooring posts I stop the boat and attach the stern lines. This is when most neighbours become unnecessarily nervous and start pressing against my railing. Which is not useless since their boat is well protected by my fenders. My railing posts on the other hand are not strong enough to push 12,5 tonns against the keel through the water. With both stern lines adjusted to length I then motor slowly forward until I can reach the pier to attach the provisional front line. It can take some time to adjust the stern lines accordingly, until I can reach the pier. This is the second occasion when watchers become nervous. The provisional front line is then led to a winch, the motor is stopped, and the boat is towed to the pier by the winch. Finally, the regular front lines are fixed.

By the way, if you really have no fenders you should immediately sit down, lean against the cabin and press with both feet against the toerails of your neighbour ship. The force of both of your leg extensor muscles is about ten times higher than that of your arm. You can easily move your body weigt against gravity with one leg.