Sailing inyourfootsteps.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fenders arrangements for two yachts to come alongside
When two vessels come alongside in an anchorage they tend to role at slightly different frequencies and push aside their fenders. This makes it challenging to protect the vessels from each other.

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

A convenient boat hook
Boat hooks are unwieldy and difficult to store on a yacht, particularly so the traditional strong and durable wooden boat-hook. Although more convenient, telescopic boat hooks are available, however they are not good for continuous or challenging use.

A simple approach to picking up moorings
Picking up moorings can present a challenge, particularly so if tried single handed.

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.

Cannot keep the fenders from riding up and exposing the topsides
Certain surges cause fenders to ride up and leave the topsides unprotected. Also if very rough conditions are expected fenders may not adequately protect the vessel.