In article KR_og.2315$TC1.1920@trndny08,
"Lester Evans" wrote:

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.

I know I'm late in this, but you'll be learning for a while and I didn't
see anyone mention this:

When things are a bit nasty, I have no compunction about picking up the
mooring at the stern, which is quite a bit closer to the water -- and
essential controls -- than the bow. Midship may be better for you, of
course.

I've even been known to back the boat up to the mooring, though I know
it looks a little strange to do that. And we're not talking about a few
feet at dead slow, but for enough distance at enough speed that the
rudder actually controls the boat. Because the mast is now aft, we don't
fall off the wind that way. Just at the mooring, a quick burst of
forward is quite a bit easier to judge than most boats' reverse when you
can't see the mooring 30+ feet away.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/