45 Degrees Sailingvideo
Picking Up a Mooring over stern singlehanded
5 September 2024 · 7 min · 5K views
What this video covers
Picking up a mooring ball over the stern allows for greater control in windy conditions by using the boat’s reverse gear to maintain a steady, slow approach. To execute this maneuver, prepare a dedicated 30-meter, 12mm line by ensuring it runs outside all lifelines, stays, and the bimini to prevent fouling. Position the boat directly downwind of the mooring, then reverse toward the ball. Using a bow thruster helps orient the bow to maintain a straight line, as rudders provide minimal steering authority at low speeds. Once at the stern, thread the line through the mooring eye or bridle while the boat is stationary or drifting slowly. After securing the line to the mooring, walk it forward along the deck to the bow cleat, pulling in the slack as the boat settles. This method mimics a flag in the wind, with the engine pulling the stern into the wind to stabilize the vessel. Proper line management and keeping the line clear of the propeller are critical to avoiding entanglement.
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