Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

Gaining more control and saving handwork when working the anchor chain
The anchor chain can be very hard on the hands back and shoulders. When the chain is running out the chain has to be slowed and belay, as often as not, entirely by handwork around a chain post. Taking the chain in is particularly hard work without the benefit of a windlass. It requires constant belaying and releasing with your hands working a loaded chain.

Being a happy hooker - getting to grips with anchoring
Novices tend to forsake anchoring for the safety of a marina, harbour wall or the security of an established set of moorings. This is largely a function of a lack of confidence.

Making it easier to come alongside in a yacht that is difficult to manoeuvre
Yachts typically mount a combined engine throttle and gear leaver on the sidewall of the cockpit. This typically means that the final manoeuvres under power require the helmsman to duck up and down to make adjustments. Each time they will loose sight of all the objects around the vessel.

Bolstering ground tackle
A vessels survival can depend upon its holding techniques that assist in holding can make a dramatic difference.

Simplifying mooring pick up
Picking up moorings can present a challenge, particularly so if tried single handed. It is a prime time for crew to fall overboard and cause damage to other boats in tight mooring areas.

Protecting mooring warps with chains
Rough harbour walls and marina cleats can badly chafe mooring warps.

Making it easy to depart from a berth with slip-lines
Departing a berth or pier can be difficult short handed or solo. The shore lines have to be manually released from the wall or pontoon resulting in a last moment dash by the releasing crewmember to jump aboard the departing vessel. This can be challenging with an offshore wind as the vessel may drift out as the knots are undone.

A trick to manoeuvre a poor steering vessel around tight marina bends
Getting into complicated marina berths can prove challenging. Especially so for vessels with long keels that do not steer well in tight conditions.

Getting the vessel away from a tight quayside berth without a supporting breeze
Mooring space along a quayside can be at a premium with very little available at the bow or stern to power a vessel out. This can be made particularly challenging if a breeze is pushing the vessel onto the quay.

An excellent knot to secure a warp to ground tackle, the fisherman’s bend
General purpose knots can float loose if jostled about lightly loaded. This is a concern when securing a warp to the anchor or a ground tackle chain.