How to Med-moor (stern-to) step by step

Before you go in

• Fenders out on both sides, low, at the widest part of the boat
• Two stern lines ready, each led from a stern cleat, coiled and ready to throw or hand ashore
• Boathook ready (for the lazy line)
• Anchor ready to drop if you are using your own
• Everyone knows their job: helm, bow, two at the stern
• Call the marina on VHF if it assigns berths, and note your space

With lazy lines (most marinas)

• Line up a boat length or two out, in line with your space, and reverse slowly and straight in. A little forward thrust stops you if you are too fast.
• At the quay, pass the windward stern line first, then the other. Make both fast, then hold the boat a metre off the quay with the engine.
• Pick up the lazy line with the boathook, walk it forward along the side of the boat (it is slimy: gloves help) and pull it tight to a bow cleat.
• Adjust the stern lines so the boat sits a step away from the quay. Engine in neutral, then off.

With your own anchor (town quays without lazy lines)

• Drop the anchor about three to four boat lengths out from the quay, in line with your space, while reversing slowly.
• Let the chain out as you reverse, without letting it go slack or snubbing it hard.
• Pass the stern lines ashore, then take up the chain until the anchor holds and the boat sits off the quay.
• Watch for other boats' chains: when leaving, lift yours slowly and straight up.

Common mistakes

• Going too fast. Slow is in control; you can always add power.
• A crosswind: start upwind of your space and let the boat drift down into it, with the windward stern line first.
• A stern line caught round the propeller: keep lines out of the water until they go ashore.
• Fending off with hands and feet between the boat and the quay. Use fenders and the engine, not people.

On a catamaran there are two engines: use them apart (one ahead, one astern) to turn on the spot. Practise once in open water before your first marina.