Sailing onto a mooring buoy is a fundamental skill that not only tests your seamanship but can be a lifesaver when anchorages are crowded or engine failure occurs. This maneuver requires precision, planning, and teamwork — but once mastered, it's incredibly satisfying and practical. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you moor under sail confidently and safely.

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⛵ Step 1: Assess Wind vs. Tide

Before making any moves, assess your environment. Look at nearby moored boats to determine which is stronger: wind or tide. Observe which direction the boats are lying to — this tells you whether the tide or wind is dominant.

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🌊 Step 2: Do a Sail-By

Approach the buoy slowly for a close-range inspection. Look for:

• A pick-up line with a float

• A shackle or eye at the top

• Anything unusual that might impact your pickup plan

⚠ Pro Tip: Never attempt to lassoo the buoy from the deck — it’s dangerous and unreliable.

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📍 Step 3: Prepare the Crew and Boat

Clear communication is everything.

• Brief your crew on the mooring plan

• Set expectations for timing and roles

• Prepare mooring lines in advance

• Discuss your bail-out strategy — never force a poor approach

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🛠 Step 4: Know the Four Common Scenarios

🗺 1. Into the Tide, Into the Wind (most challenging)

• Use mainsail only for controlled forward motion

• Maintain a close reach (avoid pointing too high)

• Keep the buoy on the leeward side of the bow

• Watch your transit to monitor movement

• As you near the buoy, luff the main to stop

• Pick up the buoy using a boat hook

• Once secured, drop the main immediately

If tide is too strong, consider raising the headsail briefly to gain enough speed, but be aware that it may obstruct your bow crew during pickup.

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🗺 2. Into the Tide, Across the Wind

• Use headsail only (never mainsail – risk of gybing!)

• Sail across the wind slowly

• Sheet out and let the sail luff to reduce speed

• Follow same steps as above

• Once on the buoy, furl or drop the headsail immediately

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🗺 3. Into the Tide, Downwind

This approach demands patience and finesse.

• Use headsail only

• Let the wind push you slowly with the tide

• Monitor approach carefully using a transit

• Time your furling or drop of the headsail to match tide speed

• Secure mooring, then tidy sails

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🗺 4. No Tide Present

This is the most straightforward scenario.

• Sail into the wind using main only

• Use the same technique as with tide/wind in line

• Fill and spill the main as needed to control speed

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🏆 Final Touches: Securing the Yacht

• Always use a bridle from both bow cleats

• Avoid tying directly to one cleat only — it can cause chafing and swinging

• Secure the line with a round turn and two half-hitches — reliable and releasable under tension

• Double up lines if possible for security and easy departure

• Check your chafe points and ensure the pick-up line clears the hull and keel

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🚀 Conclusion: Mastering the Mooring Buoy

Sailing onto a mooring buoy demands awareness of wind, tide, and your boat’s behavior under sail. With clear communication, prepped lines, and practiced teamwork, it becomes a seamless operation. Don’t hesitate to practice this skill under safe, calm conditions until it becomes second nature.