there is always someone. leave the guy alone, he is learning in the best way
possible. So he makes a couple of mistakes - big deal.
"sherwindu" wrote in message
...
First thing I learned in sailing school was how to pick up a mooring under
sail
alone.
If you can't do that, you shouldn't be taking a 30 footer out by yourself.
What
if your motor fails? I guess it's a call to the Coast Guard, if they can
get
there in time.
What if the weather turns bad? Do you know how to handle that?

Sherwin D.

Lester Evans wrote:

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,,