Cast off your lines before the wind picks up to create more space between you and the dock or other boater. This helps you get ready to cast off and flee before the docker or boatman gets the chance to line up his lure with you.
Making room in your gear for a cast-off line can be tricky. Most fast boaters have a quick-release belay device like a D-Rings or an adjustable loop like a Swagmans Line Biner. If so, it can be used as a cast-line alternative.
If not, there are still ways to look hot before casting off by getting out of the way of your equipment and preparing yourself for flight.
Check the bumpers
When moored to a dock, you should check the bumpers before cast off to make sure they are still connected. Moored boats have their mooring lines connected to the dock through a series of rings and clamps.
If your boat is not moored, you should check the dock before cast off to make sure it is still in contact with the water. If it is, you can let your boat settle into its berth before checking the tiller and moving around on deck.
When casting off, you should check the tiller and other controls as soon as possible to avoid traffic delays. Once you are underway, start steering and rowing the boat immediately!
Checking the bumpers and making sure they are still connected before cast off can prevent or minimize damage caused by boats passing between bays.
Start the engine
Before starting the engine, you should give the ruddymain command. This will start the engine and prepare the boat for sailing.
By doing this, you allow your boat to warm up and take in some air before you begin to move. You also let your sail instructor know that you are ready to go!
You can also start the engine while you warm up the sails. Once underway, set course at a moderate pace until you reach your cruising speed. Then ease off the handle as you approach your destination so that you do not overheat the sails.
Reminder: When moored to a dock, be careful not to get hooked by another dockkeeper or shipowner while boating or floating watercraft.
Check the fuel levels
While moored at a dock, you should always check the fuel levels before starting up the engine to get ready to cast off. It could be low, which would prevent you from leaving the dock and heading towards your first sailing.
To do this, remove the cover on top of the tank where water can’t flow into it. You can then check how much fuel is left by pushing a pencil tip into the top of it and pulling out. If there is less then enough for your short flight, go ahead and fill up more.
To make sure you have enough fuel, take your flight plan out and look for clouds or anything that might indicate storms.
Have someone cast off the lines while you hold steady
When the anchor is moored, it is important to have someone hold the lines steady while you warm up the engine. This allows you to focus more on your sail setup and keeps other people informed of your progress.
With a dock about 50 yards away, this can be a little difficult. You will need to work your boat up and down the lines several times before you are able to do this!
We suggest using one of two methods: You can tie a line around your back hip and another line around your hip, or you can use two lines – one held in one person’s hands and another pulled through an opening in the line.
Either way, make sure that both lines are tight! If one slips, there is no backup plan.
Confirm your navigational clearance with other vessels nearby
When moored to a dock, you should confirm your navigational clearance with other vessels nearby. Most docks have a “map” or “clearance map” that shows the surrounding waters and navigation channels.
This helps save you time and energy when asking other vessels for guidance while off the dock. The map also lets the dock staff know if there are any restrictions or limitations to how far you can sail your boat!
To confirm your clearance, go to the Pensacola marine district website (http://www.pensacolamarine.com/), click on boating, then boats, then navigate-able boats, and look for yours.
Check your lights and signaling equipment
When moored to a dock, you should check your lighting and signaling equipment before casting off to take advantage of any slack in the lines. This includes checking that docking lights and signaling equipment are working as anticipated.
Once you’re clear of the dock, you can start preparing for windage or cast off. Both checks should be done during cool down or before starting the engine to ensure you have enough time to do them.
Moored anchor cables should not be kinked or tangled when cast off, and anchoring with a car line is equivalent to a reefing line when ready to loose.
As stated above, both checking your lighting and signal equipment before cast off is critical. Failure to do so can create difficulties sail away in high winds.
Check your anchoring equipment if you have it on board
Your anchor or dock line should be able to hold even under heavy winds or when the dock or boat is moved during a storm. If it does not, you can make it easier to safely cast off by checking it before each cast.
To check a dock line, you must first grasp the end with your hands and then let go. If it moves up and down without changing shape, then it is adequate.
You can also check your anchor cable by pulling on one end and then the other. If they seem equally heavy, they are sufficient for your needs. If one seems lighter than the other, this may be the case too.
To check an anchor, you must first grasp the end with your hands and then let go.
Run full diagnostics on all onboard marine electronics
When moored to a dock, you should run full diagnostics on all onboard marine electronics before casting off to increase yourconfidence in the system. These can include:
Sensors
Compasses
Radar equipment
Navigation systems
Communications systems (iPads, smartphones, etc.)
Electronic navigation devices (iTaps,ESSs) If there is a problem with one of these systems, it may indicate a problem with the dock system or docksolution. You may want to discuss this with the dock operator to see if there is a solution they can recommend that works for your boat.
Leave a Reply