Sails, warps and fenders safely!!

Many people who sail with me both socially and on an RYA course are often slightly surprised to see that I stow fenders and warps immediately and then get the main up next. Some have mentioned this is quite dangerous and scary in close proximity of the land, marina and other boats!! But really its much safer than moving around deck in a pitching yacht trying to make way under engine in the open sea.

Fenders and warps can go away as soon as they are no longer required, usual about a meter away from the pontoon, this leaves us free to prepare the main sail for hoisting. This can be done quite simply as soon as we are motoring slowly into the wind. Don't forget to ensure the main sheet is free to run and the kicker is eased. This ensures once the sail is up it cant produce drive.

Once we have tided up around the cockpit we are ready to go sailing, removing all risk of falling overboard trying to do these simple jobs in the open sea. I am staggered by the amount of times I see crews hanging on for grim death and taking an eternity to carry out these simple tasks on a pitching boat in the Solent!

Haslar Creek is a far safer option.