6 TOWING Agree salvage


The fellowship of the sea usually means that help will be offered freely – but that isn’t always so, particularly if your rescuer is a commercial vessel whose work is disrupted. So broach the subject in advance and agree terms. Often a contribution towards fuel or a couple of beers will suffice.


Alongside towing


Because the tug can manoeuvre both boats almost as nimbly as one – including stopping and going astern – this is a useful technique in confined circumstances such as harbours and marinas. The key to success lies firstly in the relative position of the two craft, and then how you secure them together. Start by rigging lots of fenders to cushion the inevitable surging that will occur.


Then proceed as follows:


■ Where possible, the tug’s stern should protrude aft of the towed boat’s. This simple trick helps a lot with manoeuvrability because the tug can exert more leverage.


■ How you rig the securing lines will depend on the positions of the cleats and other strong points on each boat. The most important lines are the springs which will bear almost all the load when going forward and astern. The bow and stern lines are there mainly to hold the ‘raft’ together. Something like the arrangement shown in Fig 6:6 will work well.


■ As with a conventional tow, it’s better if both boats are steered together. Since the tug skipper is ultimately in control, it’s he who should coordinate the manoeuvres. Communication is


everything. This is no time to ignore the other and go your own way.


■ Even if both boats are helmed, the asymmetric thrust and drag will still make it difficult to maintain a straight course. The tug skipper will find himself having to steer his stern in


Fig 6:6


towards the towed boat to compensate. However, this awkwardness can be used to advantage when manoeuvring. Whether going astern or ahead, it’s much easier to make a turn in the direction of the tow than away from it. To take further advantage of this effect, a tug with a right-handed prop should be on the starboard side of the tow so the prop-walk will assist when going astern.


46


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers


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