Basic advice on open sea mooring pickup techniques by Alan O’Donnell of SV Aqualass
Approach with caution, & with sufficient speed only to maintain steerage, & from downwind only.
Anticipate there may be float line attached to the main mooring eye.
Always allow sufficient angle in your upwind approach to the mooring to be CERTAIN that your vessel will fall off to leeward clear of the mooring (and any float line), in the event of either a successful or missed pickup. Your vessel should be nearly stopped in the water at the time of pickup.
It is not always necessary to drag the whole main mooring eye and its attendant buoy on board.
Many prefer to pass a running line (said to be called a snotter) from the vessel, through the mooring eye and back to the vessel to facilitate easy “letting go” at departure.
