How to Motor Away from a Mooring in a Sailboat

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to sailing? Getting started at the beginning of the day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check the other boats on nearby moorings and look at the way that the water is flowing to determine the direction of the tide.
   
   
2. Not much going on with the tide? You'll be able to just motor away -slowly - from your mooring, being aware of other boats and traffic to avoid the risk of an accident.
   
   
3. Noticing a tide? Check out the direction of the wind direction but keep in mind that, when you slip the mooring, your boat will start moving with the tide.
   
   
4. Wind and tide together? You'll most likely back away from the mooring, controlling your speed and then angling toward where you want to go, much like pulling a car out of a nose-in stop in a parking lot. Once you're ready, hoist the mainsail.
   
   
5. Facing a strong tide and an opposing wind? Motor slowly forward into an area where you have plenty of sail room. Push the helm hard away and then raise the mainsail.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you take the tidal stream into account.
• Always be sure that you've prepared the mooring line for slipping.
• Plan your route before you slip the mooring.