Sure, there are laser range finders, and today’s radars can accurately measure distance to a target, even at close ranges, a feature we have long used and recommended when anchoring.
But there are also a lot of situations where that sort of precision is unnecessary, and where messing with technology is a dangerous distraction.
So to be good boat handlers we need to develop the ability to estimate distances reasonably accurately by eye.
Here’s how:
Med mooring, stern to, I struggle to get the position to drop the anchor at right, before backing in. One of my mistakes is instinctively guessing the distance to the quay and not subtracting the length of the boat plus the passarelle. I end up dropping the anchor 14 metres closer to the quay than I should and then worrying about whether I have veered enough chain to get a good hold. Dropping the anchor from the switch in the cockpit means I am estimating distance from the stern rather than the bow.
Hi Mark,
I hear you, that’s a tough one to get right. Can’t say I’m even close to infallible in that situation but the boat length hack does help and the good news is that since you are in the cockpit the distance from you to the wharf at the drop point will be equal to the chain length deployed (minus the passarelle) once you are backed in, so no need to account for boat length…unless I’m missing something?
Because I don’t have a chain counter at the helm (added complication and cockpit clutter) I have this fear of dumping all my chain on the bottom of the harbour. I always think I have dropped more than I have. And because I so dislike going stern to – it can be somewhat embarrassing single handed in any wind and current – I don’t practice enough.
Hi Mark,
I don’t blame you for not practising. Backing in single handed is seriously difficult and stressful stuff! One of those tasks where we have to ask ourselves it the damage we could do while practicing is worth it. I guess that depends on how often you are forced to go stern-to single handed.
Hi Mark,
We don’t have a chain counter and agree with your sentiments having rescued an anchored launch last year that drifted past us with its chain counter reading 40 metres – we recovered just 15.
I single-hand also on a 14.5 metre sloop, and although we never moor stern to, in windy conditions I use the helm windlass controls to lower the anchor. I find that if I count as we back down, one million, 2 million, 3 million….etc, I find that is really accurate for me, usually within a few metres to the nearest chain marking on the windlass. If your windlass runs fast, perhaps try 1 and 2 and 3….? If your windlass runs slow perhaps try 1 million and 2 million and 3 million…etc ?
The only difficulty is if you get interrupted by someone or something, and loose your count during the drop – but I usually have a good enough feel of time to re-start my count and don’t end up too far off.
Thanks, Rob, will give it a go.
Hi John,
Maybe you are missing…. water depth?!
That said, boat length is the only way I manage to estimate distances for Med mooring that requires dropping the anchor.
Taking about practicing… The first time we took charge of a chartered boat, my wife and I had a day off between one week with our sailing friends and our instructor, and the following week with just our adult children. We decided to train on our own before they arrived: tacking, reefing under the Greek summer sun – we had a full workout in just a couple of hours.
Then, we had to moor again, stern-to, in front of our favourite restaurant (fortunately deserted at this time of the day). I decided I would put 70 of the 75 m of chain in the water. We did a really good job first time around, moored securely to shore but then I realized that I still had 15 m of chain. Let’s do it again, I said – my wife didn’t share the enthusiasm! The second time, I came up with all but the last metre of chain out… but still 3-4 m away from the dock. I was very happy to secure the stern lines the third time around with 20 m of chain still in the locker! By then, we were exhausted, sweaty and ready for a cold one.
I have rarely attempted the feat again. Instead, I’ll aim for 15 m left in the locker: I’m still ok even if I get it wrong by as much as one boat length!
At the location of our initial exploits, you’d drop in 20 to 15 m of water to end up with 3 m next to the dock.
Hi Jean-Louis,
I kinda figure that knowing water depth is a given in any anchor discussion so did not go there, particularly on a Tip.
As to your experience. I sympathize, having done just about the same!