Capt. JG wrote:
He's right that it's possible. He's not right that it's usually necessary.
If it were, it would be in the standard books. However, if you wouldn't mind
showing me a book or lesson plan that it is in, I'd be happy to concede that
someone out there is teaching it to others.

Well, since that wasn't the original question asked and you're the only
one who seems concerned, I'd have to say that what you're asking is a)
irrelevant and b) probably a red herring to attempt to change the focus
of the discussion from whether it's a viable thing to do to whether
it's routinely taught.

How many boats too big to move off with a push don't have engines these
days? Consider that this may well have a big bearing on what is or
isn't taught? I suspect the std teaching is to fire up the engine.....

Regarding historical sailing, I'm sure they did lots of things that we no
longer do. I'm pretty certain that there are lots of things that Mooron does
when (if he ever) sails that not be what those of years gone by have done.

Whatever works. Nobody said you have to *only* use historical
techniques *or* so-called modern ones, as you seem to be implying.
Before I bought an o/b for my toy boat I used to use a small mooring
block (big chunk of steel actually) and a long line to haul myself far
enough off a shallow lee shore to get enough water under me to lower
the c/b a bit. Same problem, similar solution. Now I just fire up the
Honda but the other way required more skill bacause if you didn't get
it right you'd be back ashore.

Kedging off works and the boat is under control at all times up to when
you sail over the anchor and break it free.

PDW