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LIMITED ANCHOR SPACE
The only time that I wasnt prepared for a spot to anchor out or a marina to dock at, ended me at a marina that I had never been to before.The dockmaster moved a jetski on a raft all the way up into the corner of the slip and made room for me to dock.PLAN where you are going and plan ahead.avoid the problem altogether..................and when all else fails,....get the c-4......
The only time that I wasnt prepared for a spot to anchor out or a marina to dock at, ended me at a marina that I had never been to before.The dockmaster moved a jetski on a raft all the way up into the corner of the slip and made room for me to dock.PLAN where you are going and plan ahead.avoid the problem altogether..................and when all else fails,....get the c-4......
I think the first thing to do would be to try to contact the skipper of this other boat. Explain your concerns and try to get their perspective of the situation. Maybe offer suggestions and help if needed. If no solution can be found to change the situation, then I would try to determine if fendering both vessels will be sufficient protection. If all attempts to eliminate or significantly minimize the hazard to my vessel fail, it becomes my obligation to move. The insurance company will not reward you for holding your ground. Of course, if there is nowhere to move to, it's going to be a long night on anchor watch.
Try all threee
First we ask them to move after pointing our how close they are. This usually does not work initially. Then we may let out more scope, depending on the predicted wind shifts. Seldom use bumpers. Finally we may move.
First we ask them to move after pointing our how close they are. This usually does not work initially. Then we may let out more scope, depending on the predicted wind shifts. Seldom use bumpers. Finally we may move.
Fenders, Fenders, Fenders.
This happened to me in the BVIs a few years ago. I mentioned to the captain (charter flotilla)of the other boat that there was a backwind risk and we may bump. He blew me off. Around 2:00 am He hit my fenders hard and we both woke. He insisted that I move, after a while, I reminded him that I had warned him earlier to move and he could either move or stay up all night keeping the boats appart. I went back to sleep, he moved.
This happened to me in the BVIs a few years ago. I mentioned to the captain (charter flotilla)of the other boat that there was a backwind risk and we may bump. He blew me off. Around 2:00 am He hit my fenders hard and we both woke. He insisted that I move, after a while, I reminded him that I had warned him earlier to move and he could either move or stay up all night keeping the boats appart. I went back to sleep, he moved.
It happened to us
One night on the Intracoastal near St. Augustine, FL waiting for dawn to make our crossing to the Bahamas, we anchored in what appeared to us to be a wide spot in the Waterway but within about 100' of a large schooner type sailboat which did not acknowledge our presence, but which appeared harmless enough, though somewhat strange in its appearance. The large bowspirt extending from the bow caught our eye, but otherwise the boat was innoucous enough, and we dropped the 60# plow on about 100' of chain, had a few glasses of wine with dinner, and retired early. In the middle of the night some second sense that I seem to have told me to get up, and as I peered from the gangway, it became apparent that we were drifting down on that bowsprit, and all that that meant, especially in the middle of the dark. The current had shifted (we were not aware that the widespot was a creek or river of some sort), and that the current went in one direction when the tide came in, and in the other etc. etc. ... The force of the current pushed the two boats together with such force that I alone could not hold it off. The bowsprit tore the canvas on the bimini that we had just had installed, and I yelled to a fast asleep crew for help, which was not forthcoming. What did appear however, was an ominious looking gentleman who said what's going on, to which I replied that his bowsprit was tearing up my boat, and could he help me. His crew was "johnny on the spot" and helped me fend off so that no more damage occurred, while mine continued to sleep. His attitude was wonderful, said not to worry, that it had happened to him before, and that no harm was done. We both acknowledged that it was my fault, as he had correctly set a stern anchor as well, and we were the ones drifting. Our lesson learned was a good one. First of all do not judge a boat by its cover, and especially its crew, and second of all carefully inspect your anchorage for tidal currents, depths, approaching storms, wind shifts in the night etc. etc. ...... Many lessons get learned on a sailboat we have found, and we continue to learn them, and expect that we will never learn them all.
One night on the Intracoastal near St. Augustine, FL waiting for dawn to make our crossing to the Bahamas, we anchored in what appeared to us to be a wide spot in the Waterway but within about 100' of a large schooner type sailboat which did not acknowledge our presence, but which appeared harmless enough, though somewhat strange in its appearance. The large bowspirt extending from the bow caught our eye, but otherwise the boat was innoucous enough, and we dropped the 60# plow on about 100' of chain, had a few glasses of wine with dinner, and retired early. In the middle of the night some second sense that I seem to have told me to get up, and as I peered from the gangway, it became apparent that we were drifting down on that bowsprit, and all that that meant, especially in the middle of the dark. The current had shifted (we were not aware that the widespot was a creek or river of some sort), and that the current went in one direction when the tide came in, and in the other etc. etc. ... The force of the current pushed the two boats together with such force that I alone could not hold it off. The bowsprit tore the canvas on the bimini that we had just had installed, and I yelled to a fast asleep crew for help, which was not forthcoming. What did appear however, was an ominious looking gentleman who said what's going on, to which I replied that his bowsprit was tearing up my boat, and could he help me. His crew was "johnny on the spot" and helped me fend off so that no more damage occurred, while mine continued to sleep. His attitude was wonderful, said not to worry, that it had happened to him before, and that no harm was done. We both acknowledged that it was my fault, as he had correctly set a stern anchor as well, and we were the ones drifting. Our lesson learned was a good one. First of all do not judge a boat by its cover, and especially its crew, and second of all carefully inspect your anchorage for tidal currents, depths, approaching storms, wind shifts in the night etc. etc. ...... Many lessons get learned on a sailboat we have found, and we continue to learn them, and expect that we will never learn them all.
Too close for comfort
Well, I would express my concern, but I can't think of too much else that I can do. Demanding that the other person move would be wasting my breath. I believe the term "in extremis" would apply here, and that would mean that both of us would have to take actions of some kind if our boats were in danger of coming together. Maybe reminding the new arrival of that might help, but then again, maybe not. Cooperation is going to be more useful than confrontation.
Well, I would express my concern, but I can't think of too much else that I can do. Demanding that the other person move would be wasting my breath. I believe the term "in extremis" would apply here, and that would mean that both of us would have to take actions of some kind if our boats were in danger of coming together. Maybe reminding the new arrival of that might help, but then again, maybe not. Cooperation is going to be more useful than confrontation.
Outta My Way!
I think that I would politely suggest that both boats move, and find a way to share space, even if it means putting out fenders, and shortening scope, if possible
I think that I would politely suggest that both boats move, and find a way to share space, even if it means putting out fenders, and shortening scope, if possible
Fenders? Where do you put them?
I've been watching this discussion with interest for the past few days. One thing surprises me ... the number of people who talk about putting out fenders. How could you possibly guess where to put the fenders so they would do any good? Port/starboard? How far forward/aft? What height? Seems like at best, you could protect a small part of the boat, and that's almost certain to mean that you'd hit the other boat in a different spot. I have a 34 foot boat and I am not sure I could begin to predict which point along the 70+ feet of topsides I would hang my six feet of fenders. That would leave over 64 feet of unprotected boat (and I'm not counting the stern). Am I missing something here?
I've been watching this discussion with interest for the past few days. One thing surprises me ... the number of people who talk about putting out fenders. How could you possibly guess where to put the fenders so they would do any good? Port/starboard? How far forward/aft? What height? Seems like at best, you could protect a small part of the boat, and that's almost certain to mean that you'd hit the other boat in a different spot. I have a 34 foot boat and I am not sure I could begin to predict which point along the 70+ feet of topsides I would hang my six feet of fenders. That would leave over 64 feet of unprotected boat (and I'm not counting the stern). Am I missing something here?
Justin (O'Day)
I think you should all read Justin's response which seems most logical and least inflammatory. There is not one of us (power or sail) boaters who haven't gotten themselves into close quarters, originally not intending to. And for those of you who continue to 'run down' powerboaters, think twice, (are you really sailing,why are your sails luffing so and what's that blue smoke coming out of the stern of your boat about?) I've helped sailboaters and kayakers in different circumstances as, I assume, a sailboater would help me out.I like the anchor position idea, thanks. Be friendly. Anchor smart. Sign me: "lives to be on the water in sailboat and/or powerboat". Craig
I think you should all read Justin's response which seems most logical and least inflammatory. There is not one of us (power or sail) boaters who haven't gotten themselves into close quarters, originally not intending to. And for those of you who continue to 'run down' powerboaters, think twice, (are you really sailing,why are your sails luffing so and what's that blue smoke coming out of the stern of your boat about?) I've helped sailboaters and kayakers in different circumstances as, I assume, a sailboater would help me out.I like the anchor position idea, thanks. Be friendly. Anchor smart. Sign me: "lives to be on the water in sailboat and/or powerboat". Craig
Gary A. I agree, I was trying to figure that out
myself......how do you figure out where to put the fenders?...its a total shot in the dark if the wind/currents swing full circle.
myself......how do you figure out where to put the fenders?...its a total shot in the dark if the wind/currents swing full circle.
anchoring close
I hail the boat, commenting that they appear to be very close and, if a power boat, that power boats swing entirely differently than sailboats. However, I make no demands.
I hail the boat, commenting that they appear to be very close and, if a power boat, that power boats swing entirely differently than sailboats. However, I make no demands.
anchoring "When in Rome......"
Something to consider as you anchor is how the rest of the boats are hooked. For example if nobody else has a stern hook out you should not put one out as their swing can now possible hit you but if both are anchored the same you will swing some what the same. In some areas it is common to tie to shore with a stern line. Sometimes 2 hooks off the bow. Again it helps to follow those ahead of you to avoid problems later. I have been out where all was well until the next boat in drops bow and stern. now we can not swing, if we drop a stern the boat behind us can not swing. So please follow what seems to be general rule for that location.
Something to consider as you anchor is how the rest of the boats are hooked. For example if nobody else has a stern hook out you should not put one out as their swing can now possible hit you but if both are anchored the same you will swing some what the same. In some areas it is common to tie to shore with a stern line. Sometimes 2 hooks off the bow. Again it helps to follow those ahead of you to avoid problems later. I have been out where all was well until the next boat in drops bow and stern. now we can not swing, if we drop a stern the boat behind us can not swing. So please follow what seems to be general rule for that location.
Anchor Hogs
I arrived in Bora Bora and anchored in about ninety feet of water. After winching up 250 feet of chain for the third time in the tropical heat and having a guy drift down on my each time, I finally went over to his boat and asked politely why he had a couple of hundred feet of polyprop line floating on the surface of the bay. He informed me that he had "plenty of scope out in case of a wind shift." I olitely told him that I had sailed about 3000 miles to visit this wonderful place and he just could not have the entire bay to himself no matter how much he wanted it. As always, just a bit of plain old couresty goes a long way. He retrieved about 200 feet of line and we managed to be fine for a couple of weeks. If someone comes into an anchorage late a night and anchors right on top of you, I think that you just need to inform him he has to move. If he fails, then a middle of the night "slipping" of his anchor rode may just be in order. I guess it depends on if his boat is bigger than yours, and if it happens to be a ferrocement boat. I just might move myself. denny
I arrived in Bora Bora and anchored in about ninety feet of water. After winching up 250 feet of chain for the third time in the tropical heat and having a guy drift down on my each time, I finally went over to his boat and asked politely why he had a couple of hundred feet of polyprop line floating on the surface of the bay. He informed me that he had "plenty of scope out in case of a wind shift." I olitely told him that I had sailed about 3000 miles to visit this wonderful place and he just could not have the entire bay to himself no matter how much he wanted it. As always, just a bit of plain old couresty goes a long way. He retrieved about 200 feet of line and we managed to be fine for a couple of weeks. If someone comes into an anchorage late a night and anchors right on top of you, I think that you just need to inform him he has to move. If he fails, then a middle of the night "slipping" of his anchor rode may just be in order. I guess it depends on if his boat is bigger than yours, and if it happens to be a ferrocement boat. I just might move myself. denny
Music
I like to use an anchor buoy which usually keeps upwind boats at least the length of my rode away. If this doesn't work and a firmly worded suggestion to move is ignored, I keep a Marilyn Manson disc which I play through an extension speaker on the bow. Most move.
I like to use an anchor buoy which usually keeps upwind boats at least the length of my rode away. If this doesn't work and a firmly worded suggestion to move is ignored, I keep a Marilyn Manson disc which I play through an extension speaker on the bow. Most move.
Anchoring in a small cove
Last summer Vi & I had a rough day in a long unpleasant channel, never again will I go there. This was on Burke Channel heading towards Bella Coola. We finnaly found the only cove to pull into for a night's rest. An hour later another power boat came in and anchored close. They then asked how much rode I had out as they seem worried we would swing into them. Good grief their worried I thought no brains at all so I pulled my anchor and relocated as there was only room for two boats in here. That evening while playing cards a wind came up and we heard voices shouting then saw their boat wiz by discovering it was our boat dragging anchor and I got on deck to see if I could get it to dig in which I did with more scope. Next time I will ask them to move as I was well anchored the first time. Fred Scott Lady Vi PS There has been a change in our life style now live in Vernon BC and a member of the Vernon Yacht Club. Life couldn't get any better sail everyday.
Last summer Vi & I had a rough day in a long unpleasant channel, never again will I go there. This was on Burke Channel heading towards Bella Coola. We finnaly found the only cove to pull into for a night's rest. An hour later another power boat came in and anchored close. They then asked how much rode I had out as they seem worried we would swing into them. Good grief their worried I thought no brains at all so I pulled my anchor and relocated as there was only room for two boats in here. That evening while playing cards a wind came up and we heard voices shouting then saw their boat wiz by discovering it was our boat dragging anchor and I got on deck to see if I could get it to dig in which I did with more scope. Next time I will ask them to move as I was well anchored the first time. Fred Scott Lady Vi PS There has been a change in our life style now live in Vernon BC and a member of the Vernon Yacht Club. Life couldn't get any better sail everyday.
Anything will happen
I've been on both sides too. Once we found a wonderful little natural harbour where we anchored and started to enjoy the sun with very little clothing and another sailor came up just beside us. And I tried the trick to great them welcome just as my God created man. And they were not embarrassed at all - just threw me the line and asked me to help them ashore! And another time we couldn't leave the harbour because of very heavy winds - and there were lots of boats there, very tight. After 3 days our septic tank was very full and we had an accident and the content went out in the bilge. Naturally the bilge-pump did everything right: pumping the liquid out! Among all our neighbours. This was not very good behaviour. These are my worst experiences on the two sides. And for me it all ends up having a positive attitude to the situation. I don't know why my sailing "colleagues" wants to join me closely. And why they behave as they do. I'm sure they don't do it just to drive me nuts. If I see that certain harbours are frequently occupied by people that I want a little distance to - I find other bays. The next time I'm around. Toomas
I've been on both sides too. Once we found a wonderful little natural harbour where we anchored and started to enjoy the sun with very little clothing and another sailor came up just beside us. And I tried the trick to great them welcome just as my God created man. And they were not embarrassed at all - just threw me the line and asked me to help them ashore! And another time we couldn't leave the harbour because of very heavy winds - and there were lots of boats there, very tight. After 3 days our septic tank was very full and we had an accident and the content went out in the bilge. Naturally the bilge-pump did everything right: pumping the liquid out! Among all our neighbours. This was not very good behaviour. These are my worst experiences on the two sides. And for me it all ends up having a positive attitude to the situation. I don't know why my sailing "colleagues" wants to join me closely. And why they behave as they do. I'm sure they don't do it just to drive me nuts. If I see that certain harbours are frequently occupied by people that I want a little distance to - I find other bays. The next time I'm around. Toomas
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