3. Secure properly

Three good big fenders are far better than ten of the Mickey Mouse, Toytown apologies I often see dangling haphazardly from quite large yachts. When you see these shaping up to raft alongside, you can be forgiven for being reluctant to consent. Rig breast lines and springs straight away. Then take warps ashore and set them up to do their share of work. Once the shorelines are on, it may be possible to do away with the breast lines. It depends on the situation and should be discussed calmly with the boat inside. If, like me, you have spent valuable hours varnishing your capping rail, you aren’t going to love some sub-species of human pond life leading hairy lines across them, ignoring the fairleads supplied by a caring builder to protect them. Lash your helm amidships to reduce the strain on shorelines and deck cleats. Help new arrivals to lead their lines and secure them to your satisfaction. They in turn should accept your guidance with good grace because it’s your yacht they’re tying up to.