4 BOAT HANDLING Back to basics
It might seem odd to start a chapter on boat handling with such a manoeuvre, but ferry gliding demonstrates how simple it is to employ both the forces of nature (the stream) and those under our control (power and steering) to work to our advantage. All it takes is a little understanding to make what might seem impossible actually very easy. Wind and stream are the two natural forces that affect us the most. Planing boats have very little grip on the water and can be relatively easily blown about by the wind – especially those with high superstructures like motor cruisers. Displacement boats sit much deeper and are more affected by the stream.
Every skipper should be aware of what’s happening around him at all times. That’s important enough in open water but becomes absolutely vital in close quarters. If, for instance, our ferry skipper had attempted a downstream approach in the same circumstances, the results would certainly have been embarrassing and probably very expensive. And there are lots of clues to tell us what’s going on:
Wind ■ Flags waving in the breeze. ■ Drift of any nearby smoke. ■ The wind effect on the surface of the water.
■ Or you can improvise a simple wind indicator by tying a short length of light fishing line to some exposed part of the boat.
BEWARE: the movement of low clouds may give you a general indication of wind direction but this may not be the same as at sea level.
Stream ■ Observe boats at anchor nearby. Unless the wind is exceptionally strong, they will lie with their bows pointing into the stream. Sailing yachts with their deep keels are particularly reliable.
■ Water flowing past fixed objects such as navigational marks or buoys. ■ Only when alongside: tight mooring lines and debris floating by are both good indicators.
The experienced skipper notices these things almost subconsciously, keeping himself constantly aware of any shifts. But the novice is often so overwhelmed with information that he may not take it all in. In open waters this may not matter much, but when manoeuvring in close quarters it’s of huge importance.
A good way to practise is by picking up a mooring buoy – preferably one with lots of space around it so if things go wrong no harm will be done. So … having selected your buoy, what then?
■ First and foremost, you must decide which way the stream is flowing. Look at other boats moored nearby and – of course – observe how the stream flows around the buoy itself. Remember that the effects can be extremely localised. Focus on your immediate vicinity.
■ You are going to approach the buoy from dead downstream. This is one of the golden rules of boat handling. That way the stream will act as a natural brake and you can move your boat sideways if you need to using the ferry gliding technique described on page 25.
24
RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers
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