Docking and Mediterranean Mooring

Safely docking and Mediterranean mooring your sailing yacht, especially with crew, is all about preparation, communication, and control. A good docking and Mediterranean mooring is a quiet one: no yelling, no panic, no jumping.

PART 1: SAFE DOCKING – GENERAL PROCEDURE (SIDE-TO)
Step 1: Preparation Before Docking
What to Do:

• Assign crew roles clearly:
  • One on the bow (with bow lines and fender control)
  • One on the stern (with stern lines)
  • One on standby to fend off (using a boat hook, never hands).
• Prepare mooring lines:
  • Two bow lines, two stern lines — coiled, flaked, and ready to throw or step ashore.
• Fenders down (at dock height), placed all along the docking side.
• Engines on, checked in forward and reverse.
• Wind and current considered — adjust approach accordingly.
• Talk through the plan: direction of approach, where each crew is stationed, what their job is.

Step 2: Approach the Dock

• Go slowly and under full control — “as slow as you can while still maintaining steerage.”
• Always approach into the wind/current if possible.
• Line of approach:
  • Start at a 30–45° angle to the dock.
  • When the bow is close, gently turn away and shift to reverse, which brings the stern in.

Step 3: Securing the Boat

1. Crew steps (not jumps!) ashore with bow line first.
2. Secure stern line next.
3. Adjust spring lines (diagonals) to stop fore/aft movement.
4. Adjust fenders once secure.

Alternative: Using Spring Lines for Control

• If the wind is on the beam, tie a midship spring line first, then use the engine in forward against it to hold you against the dock while the crew ties bow/stern.

PART 2: MEDITERRANEAN MOORING (STERN-TO OR BOW-TO)
Mediterranean mooring is common in Europe in busy harbour to save space. It involves backing (or going bow-in) into a berth between two boats, then picking up a lazy line (to a mooring buoy or chain) to secure the bow.

How Mediterranean Mooring Works:

• Stern-to: Reverse into the space, secure stern lines to the quay, and use lazy lines or anchors to hold the bow.
• Bow-to: Opposite process — less common due to difficulty boarding.

Step-by-Step: Med Mooring Stern-To with Lazy Lines

Step 1: Prepare

• Crew briefed: Who handles stern lines, who takes lazy lines forward.
• Fenders out, both sides and across stern.
• Stern lines ready: Either to throw or to step ashore.
• If using your anchor, ensure it’s ready to drop.

Step 2: Reverse into the Berth

• Line up between the boats or mooring poles.
• Use short, gentle bursts of reverse to maintain control.
• Crew fends off with boat hook, not hands.
• Stop the boat with minimal way on 1–2m from quay.

Step 3: Secure Stern

• Stern lines ashore and tied to bollards or rings on quay.
• Lines should be equal length to keep you centered.

Step 4: Secure Bow

• Crew takes lazy lines from quay (usually passed with a boathook).
• Walk lines forward along side deck — watch for fouling prop!
• Pull tight and cleat off forward to hold the bow away from quay.

Step 5: Adjust and Final Check

• Tighten all lines to center the boat and avoid contact.
• Adjust fenders between boats.
• Use a gangplank or passarella to access the quay.

Med Mooring Variations:

Wind and Current Considerations

• Crosswind: Reverse in with slight angle to counter drift.
• Strong onshore wind: More reverse speed to maintain control.
• Offshore wind: Drop anchor earlier, or tension lazy line hard to prevent drifting.

Tips for Safe and Calm Docking
Best Practices

• Practice reversing in open water — steer with prop walk in mind.
• Use headset comms or hand signals to avoid yelling.
• Prep lines and fenders before entering marina.
• If in doubt: abort, go around, and try again.

Summary