Here's my surefire, never fail method.

1) Head as straight upwind as possible and slow to the minimum speed
at which the vessel will answer her helm.

2) Steer slightly to one side of the buoy. Just before it disappears
under the bow, put the engine in reverse and then look over at the
side; not forward at the buoy. Watch for the motion to stop relative
to bubbles and flotsam in the water.

Note ahead of time if there is current. If there is, you should try
to match it's speed; not stop dead in the water. If it's not flowing
in the same direction as the wind, some judgement will be required.

3) Run forward picking up the boat hook as you go and stab at the
mooring pendant.

4) Repeat 1) through 3) as necessary.

--

Roger Long



"Lester Evans" wrote in message
news:KR_og.2315$TC1.1920@trndny08...
Going out single this weekend. Not worried about leaving and
sailing etc .. it is the coming back in that has me in butterflies.

This is a 30' sailboat. Not huge, but not small.

How do you approach a mooring for pick up? The boat has a full keel
so she is heavy. The mooring is in a tight area. I want to do a
one time pick up .. no going around and trying again.

My thought.. get the boat going in the right direction. Once I am
getting close, put her in neutral. Try some coasting. See if I can
coast up to the mooring, leaving the mooring ball on the starboard
side ( this way, if I must go on I can turn to the port which is
where the escape route is,, the deep water ).

Anyway,,, I will have my mooring pick up stick at the ready. Once I
grab the line, get the line on deck and cleated..

I thought that I might ask for help if there is a friendly boater
around. The boat is at a dock now. I must move it to the mooring or
$$$$$$.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,,