12.9 MOORING AND UNMOORING

CAUTION

Before the unmooring operation, ensure that engines, gear boxes, rud- ders and bow/stern thrusters are in good working order. During such manoeuvres, the Captain should prevent any unpleasant noise, and/or wake that might bother other people. Before unmooring, make sure that all doors, hatches, portholes, etc., are closed.

WARNING

Before starting the manoeuvre, make sure that people on board, espe- cially children, do not obstruct operations and that they stay in suitable places.

DANGER

Check with extreme care that no one on board is in danger (with legs or arms outside the edge, in precarious balance or moving on wet or slippery surfaces) and that the fenders are well positioned and fastened.

The yacht is equipped with very powerful engines, with very efficient rudders and with high-performing bow/stern thrusters.

The bow/stern thrusters are to be used at very low speed, or without fresh way; at higher speed, it is possible to obtain a more correct reaction, by using the engines throttles in an off-set way.

The ability to exploit these excellent qualities depends mainly on the “familiarity” the Captain has with his yacht. Practice is the only way to acquire confidence, and finally you will be able to safely perform mooring and unmooring manoeuvres even in very difficult or crowded areas.

A basic rule, that should always be applied, is to manoeuvre at low speed, so as to have enough time to react and to better evaluate the situation; in this way, in case of accidental contact with other yachts, you will not cause any serious damage.

Before unmooring check following:

• That there are no other yachts manoeuvring nearby;
• That the mooring ropes are not damaged;
• That the fenders are positioned and well fastened (in case of wind or surf prepare a passenger with fender to avoid damages);
• That there are no floating objects or loose ropes which can damage the propeller.

If the yacht is moored with the stern to the shore:

• Undo the stern lines, haul in the chain until distant from the shore, and head to the exit.

If the mooring is on the side:

• Ease away the mooring rope from stern, warp on bow rope to move away the stern from the shore, manoeuvre for way out.