Handling the boat: turning, mooring, anchoring and heaving to
A boat has no brakes and no reverse gear for the wind. Learn how a boat turns, how the mooring lines hold it at a quay, how an anchor holds it at sea, and how to heave to for a rest. Then practise the scope sums and the anchoring routine.
A boat has no brakes
A boat keeps moving after you stop pushing it, and a heavy boat takes a long time to stop. Everything in handling starts there: go slowly near other boats and quays, and plan every move before you need it.
Wind and current decide
Wind and current push the boat whatever you want. Before you come alongside, pick up a mooring or anchor, look at which one is stronger. Usually you approach into the stronger of the two, because that slows the boat and gives you steering.
Learn it on the water
This lesson is the first look. Real handling is a feel you get by practising, with an instructor, in calm open water first. Every boat behaves a little differently, so test yours slowly before you need it.
How much anchor line do I let out?
Set the depth and the weather and see the length of rode to let out, and the circle your boat can swing in. The bow of the boat is about one metre above the water.
Anchor down
You want to anchor for the night. Tap the steps in the order you would do them. Each right tap locks in; a wrong tap gives you a hint.
How a boat turns and what pushes it sideways
Lying alongside a quay with four lines and fenders
At anchor, from the side and from above
A boat hove to, seen from above
Study sheet
All the words in one place, by level.
Level 1: Turning under power
Pivot point
A boat turns around a point about a third of the way back from the bow. The bow goes one way and the stern swings the other way. Allow for that swing near quays and other boats.
Stern swing
When you turn, the stern swings out to the opposite side of the turn. Beside a quay or pier, steer the bow away early, and look back at the stern.
Propeller walk
A turning propeller pushes the stern sideways, most when you go astern. With a normal right-handed propeller in reverse, the stern usually kicks to port. Boats differ, so test yours in open water.
Windage
The wind pushes on everything above the water: hull, cabin, mast and sails. A slow boat is blown sideways, and a boat with high sides is pushed most. Allow for it when you come alongside.
Steerage way
The minimum speed at which water flows past the rudder fast enough to steer. Below it the helm does nothing, so keep a little speed when you need to turn, and go slow without stopping.
Level 2: Mooring lines
Bow line
A line from the bow to the quay. It holds the front of the boat. Lead it forward or sideways to a bollard or cleat, and keep it from chafing.
Stern line
A line from the stern to the quay. It holds the back of the boat. Together with the bow line it keeps the boat from swinging away.
Forward spring
Leads from the front of the boat back to the quay. It stops the boat moving forward. A handy trick: with the forward spring on, you can turn the stern in or out with a little power.
Aft spring
Leads from the back of the boat forward to the quay. It stops the boat moving backward. Together with the forward spring it holds the boat in place along the quay.
Fender
A soft cushion hung between the hull and the quay so the boat does not get scratched or damaged. Hang several, at the right height, before you come alongside.
Level 3: Anchoring
Anchor
A heavy hook that digs into the bottom and holds the boat. Its holding power comes from burying itself, and from the line lying along the bottom. Many types exist, so use the type and size that suit your boat and seabed.
Rode
Everything between the boat and the anchor: usually some chain and often rope. The chain lies on the bottom and adds weight, so the pull on the anchor stays low and flat.
Scope
The length of rode let out compared to the depth, which includes the height of the bow above the water. About 5 to 1 is normal, more in strong wind, and more again with rope. 5 to 1 in 4 metres of depth means 20 metres of rode.
Holding ground
The seabed the anchor digs into. Sand and mud usually hold well. Weed, rock and loose stones can be poor. Never drop an anchor on coral, because it kills the reef. Look for sandy patches and use the chart.
Swinging circle
The boat swings around the anchor when the wind or current changes. The circle has about the length of the rode let out, plus the length of your boat, as its radius. Keep it clear of rocks, shallows and other boats.
Level 4: Heaving to
Backed jib
The jib is left held on the windward side, so the wind pushes on its front face and tries to turn the bow away from the wind.
Eased mainsail
The mainsail is let out so it catches less wind. It still tries to turn the boat toward the wind, which balances the backed jib.
Helm to leeward
The tiller is pushed to leeward (the wheel turned the opposite way) and held. The rudder then steers the bow toward the wind while the jib pushes it away, and the boat settles.
Slow drift
A boat hove to does not stop completely. It drifts slowly sideways and a little forward, often about one knot. It makes a calmer ride and leaves you free to eat, rest, reef or think.
Slick
A smooth patch of water to windward of the boat made by its slow sideways drift. It takes the edge off the waves coming at you.