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,,



First...approach your mooring ball motoring upwind.
have a crew member at the bow with a boat hook.
Approach slowly & switch to neutral as soon as he confirms he has
snagged the bridle. You stay at the helm in case of trouble.
If you sail singlehanded...
motor upwind and take the mooring ball on the side that would be easiest
for you when it's abeam.
Switch to neutral when you think the ball is at your bow and have boat
hook ready to grab bridle. Be prepared to take control of the helm again
ASAP if you miss. Mooring fields can be crowded with little room for error.