[Rhodes22-list] Moorings

[daniel snyder]

Michael, my mooring is in about 12 feet of water in a small cove in front of 
my house...about 45 feet out from a rocky shoreline.  When I'm departing 
I'll remove the mooring line from the bow cleat and snap on a ball type 
fender which I then deposit in the bow of my dinghy....which is also 
fastened to my mooring ball.  When coming back to the mooring I don't have 
much margin for error in that I'm not far from the rocks.  My mooring line 
stays permanently attached to the mooring ball and is very heavy duty and is 
six feet long.  I'll come in slowly, throw the motor in neutral (if I'm 
using it) and quickly get to the bow with the boat hook.  It is always a 
"first time success" snagging the line because the round fender lying in the 
bow of the dinghy always keeps the line up out of the water and never 
tangled with anything.

Now to your point, I very much try to make this look very smooth to anyone 
who might be watching....but if a strong wind is blowing in toward those 
rocks, I privately sweat!

If you ever happen to be with Elton, ask him about the very unique 
experience he had with my mooring ball this past May when the water was 
about 40 degrees!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael D. Weisner" <mweisner at ebsmed.com>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 3:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Moorings


> Dan,
>
> Your post brought back a "fond" memory of the first time that I tied up to
> my mooring.  I too use a mooring, on the Nissequoque River.  Due to the 
> 7-8
> foot tide changes here on the north shore of LI, the current can be very
> strong in and out to the LIS.  I sailed right up to the mooring and leaned
> out of the cockpit and hooked the buoy nice and solidly.  Brought the 
> buoy,
> covered with all forms of marine life up the side of my nice, new R22, 
> yuck!
> The Admiral held the boat pole near the winch while I tried in vain to
> fasten the mooring pennant to the buoy.  The tide was going out, quickly,
> and we were broadside to the flow.  The Admiral almost went over the side
> from the force on the pole.  I dropped the buoy, released the boat pole 
> and
> sailed away, vowing never to try to do that again during tide changes. 
> Now
> I am smart enough to drop anchor and use a dinghy if mooring maintenance 
> is
> required.
>
> As far as "race to the bow with the boat hook to snag my mooring line" 
> goes,
> you might want to add a pickup buoy to the mooring lines when you depart 
> and
> sail or motor to the mooring, into the wind or current, if any.  Cut your
> power and just glide up to the mooring, WALK forward and gently reach down
> to pick up the "flag".  You, and all watching you, will be impressed with
> your relaxed attitude.  Sailing is all about the illusion of controlling
> nature.
>
> Mike
> s/v Shanghai'd Summer ('81)
>
>
> From: "daniel snyder" <danielsnyder at adelphia.net> Sent: Wednesday, 
> November
> 22, 2006 1:07 PM
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Life Lines
>
>> Nan, our 06 Rhodes was delivered in May.  When my wife and I were in
> Edenton
>> in April going over some final items with Stan she happened to spot one 
>> of
>> his new boats getting ready to be delivered.  It had the life rails (not
>> life lines) and immediately felt these would be a good addition to 
>> support
>> moving to and from the bow.  So we ordered them and have said to 
>> ourselves
>> frequently that we're glad we did.  They provide a very solid hand hold 
>> as
> I
>> race to the bow with the boat hook to snag my mooring line...I sail 
>> single
>> handed 99% of the time.  They are also handy with the kids.  They are a
> real
>> handy spot to hang a fender from also.  Personally, I kind of like the
> looks
>> of them on the boat.  Others on the list will say they aren't necessary
> and
>> for the most part, they're right.  It was sort of a last minute splurge
> but
>> I'm very happy with them.  They show up a bit in the attached photo.  Dan
> in
>> NH
>
>
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