Breast lines, springs, and stern lines. Knowing how to navigate all the names of the lines and using them correctly when mooring in the marina is not a given, at least for those with little experience at sea. Today, we offer a tutorial on how to use the different types of lines for alongside mooring.
The correct use of mooring lines in a berth
When approaching a quay alongside, a procedure that is quite simple in itself, remember that a windward quay is preferable. The advantages are significant in terms of controlling speed and the angle of approach. We realize this is not always possible, as much depends on the actual availability of berths in the chosen marina: at our marina in central Genoa, our advice is always to book well in advance (especially for yachts and superyachts) to ensure you find a berth and can choose from various options.
It may be useful (hopefully not) to remember that when approaching the dock, two lines should already be prepared during the approach to the marina. These are the bow line and the stern line, simply put, the bow and stern mooring lines. With this preliminary operation, we ensure we can immediately secure the bow and then moor the stern in any situation, with the help of someone on the dock or a crew member who disembarks.
At this point, the vessel is already secured in an acceptable position for a brief stop. This is a standard situation when you only need to refuel or pick up new passengers. However, for obvious safety reasons, this is not sufficient if the planned mooring duration is much longer.
The bow mooring and stern lines are meant to prevent the boat from moving away from the dock and from moving forward or backward. To accomplish their task, they must remain spaced several meters in front of the bow and behind the stern.
Movements and oscillations are inevitable at sea, and to reduce them, two breast lines must be carefully secured, one at the bow and one at the stern. Their position should be perpendicular to the boat’s axis to keep it against the dock.
Even more important than breast lines, stern lines stop the boat’s oscillatory movements in every direction: both towards and away from the quay, as well as to the left and right. Known by more experienced sailors as springs, they remain fundamental for mooring. In favorable weather conditions, and in any case when you are certain you can intervene in the event of sudden changes, you can limit yourself to securing two lines at the bow and stern and two springs. This is a practical, fast solution, suitable for saving a bit of time. Perhaps a bit lazy, but not ineffective. However, do not compromise on precision when using fenders, which must be positioned at the correct height to protect the hull.