CHAPTER 6 Short-handed


When only two are aboard, the crew handles the bow line while the helm stands by to deal with the stern. The object of the exercise is initially to get two lines ashore secured as best they may be. Circumstances will dictate how this is achieved, but a well-tried system goes as follows: • The bow line is treated as for a fully crewed boat with the bight well and truly secure on board and ‘length plus 50%’ in hand ready for action.


• The stern line is run out ready and draped over the guardrails amidships, or to some other convenient spot.


• When the boat is alongside, the crew hops ashore and secures the bight of the bow line on a cleat, taking up all the slack on the dock. This will leave a pile of rope by the cleat, but this is only temporary.


• The crew now walks smartly aft and either grabs the stern line from the guardrails or is handed the line by the helm. The crew drops the loop over a suitable cleat and the helm takes up the slack as though the boat were fully crewed.


• Both crew now walk forward to formalise the bow line. In gentle going, the bight ashore can be detached, the loop dropped quickly over the cleat and the slack snatched up on board. If it is blowing hard off the dock, it may be necessary to run a second line with its end ashore to hold the boat. The initial one can then be removed and freed up for other duties.


• Set the springs and the job is done. • Choose which two lines to take ashore depending on the conditions as though the boat were fully crewed, but if you go for bow line and stern spring, don’t be afraid to motor against them while setting up the others. The boat should lie very stably like this, giving you the time you need without stress.


Docking short-handed


A stern line draped over the guardrails is usually retrievable by the crew from the dock. Sometimes the helm must hand it across.


MANUAL OF SEAMANSHIP | 69


Boat handling


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