The lines and what they do
| Line | Runs | Its job |
|---|---|---|
| Bow line | From the bow, forward to the shore | Holds the bow in and stops the boat moving back. |
| Stern line | From the stern, aft to the shore | Holds the stern in and stops the boat moving forward. |
| Bow spring | From the bow, aft along the boat to the shore | Stops the boat surging forward. |
| Stern spring | From the stern, forward along the boat to the shore | Stops the boat surging back. |
| Breast lines | Straight across from the boat to the shore | Hold the boat in against the berth. Often used for a short stop. |
A typical overnight berth uses bow and stern lines plus both springs. The springs do most of the work of stopping the boat surging back and forth in wash or swell, and the bow and stern lines hold her in.
Tidal berths
Against a quay wall in tidal water, the boat rises and falls with the tide. Lines that are tight at high water can leave her hanging at low water, or snap. Use long lines, especially springs, so a big change in height makes only a small change in tension, and check them as the tide changes. Pontoons rise and fall with you, which is why most marinas use them.
Slip lines for leaving
A slip line goes from the boat, round a cleat or ring ashore, and back to the boat, so both ends are aboard. When you're ready to go, let one end go and pull the line back on board. Nobody needs to be ashore to let you go. Make sure the line can run freely and won't snag as you pull it in.
Fenders and rafting up
- Set fenders at the widest part of the boat, at the right height for the quay, pontoon or boat alongside.
- When rafting alongside another boat, ask first, use plenty of fenders, and take bow and stern lines and springs to her.
- Take your own bow and stern lines ashore too, so the inside boat isn't holding the whole raft against the wind and tide.
- Cross other boats by their foredeck, not their cockpit, and quietly.
In the exam
Expect to come alongside and leave a berth under the examiner's eye, sometimes in a tight spot or with wind or tide pushing you off or on. Brief the crew on which lines go where, and the order they go on and come off. The knots you'll use are in the sailing knots guide.