Navigation and Mooring

Navigation and docking are two fundamental aspects of boat management. Here's an overview of the main techniques and equipment associated with these operations:

Navigation

Navigation involves moving a vessel from one point to another, requiring a good knowledge of maneuvering techniques, weather conditions, and applicable regulations.

• Sailing Techniques : These include the use of sails, steering, and understanding currents and winds. A useful manual on this topic is "Sailing Techniques 1 - Mooring and Port Maneuvers."

• Anchoring : Essential for anchoring the vessel at anchor, it requires choosing the right anchoring point, using the anchor correctly, and managing the lines. In strong winds, it's advisable to use two anchors in a row for greater safety.

Mooring

Mooring involves securing your vessel to a fixed structure such as a dock, pier, or jetty.

• Mooring Types :

  • English : The vessel is placed parallel to the dock and secured with six cables: stern line, stern crosspiece, stern spring, bow spring, bow crosspiece and bow line.
    
  • Bow or tip : The vessel is moored with the bow towards the dock, using bow and stern lines.
  • Stern : The vessel is moored with the stern towards the dock, using stern and bow lines.

• Mooring Equipment :

  • Fenders : Protect the boat and the dock from impacts during docking.
  • Ropes and Cleats : Used to secure the vessel to the dock, they must be of adequate strength and length.
  • Mooring Springs : Help absorb shock and vibration, protecting the vessel and surrounding structures.