Lesson 3 - Mooring Balls
This video covers everything you need to know about using a mooring ball safely and confidently.
What is a Mooring Ball?
-
A floating buoy anchored to the seabed via a heavy block and riser chain.
-
Used in marinas, anchorages, and protected areas.
-
Offers a secure, eco-friendly alternative to anchoring.
Types of Mooring Balls:
-
Public Moorings – Often with pickup lines; easy to grab.
-
Private/Commercial Moorings – May require your own line.
-
Heavy-Duty Moorings – For larger vessels; thicker chains and multiple pennants
Preparing to Moor:
-
Check Wind & Current – Always approach into the stronger of the two.
-
Prepare Crew & Gear – Assign a bow crew with boat hook; ready lines.
-
Slow Your Approach – Keep it steady and under control.
How to Pick Up a Mooring Ball:
-
Approach slowly with the bow aligned into the wind/current.
-
Keep the mooring ball directly ahead.
-
Use neutral gear when near the ball.
-
Crew retrieves pickup line with a boat hook.
-
Temporarily secure using a bowline or by threading your own line through the mooring.
Securing the Yacht:
-
Use a Bridle Setup:
-
One line from each bow cleat, through the mooring ring and back.
-
-
Adjust Line Tension:
-
Not too tight (causes jerking), not too loose (allows swinging).
-
-
Check movement and rebalance as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
🚫 Approaching too fast
🚫 Overshooting or missing the pickup line
🚫 Improper line setup (e.g., one cleat only)
🚫 Not checking the mooring’s condition
🚫 Poor tension adjustment
Releasing & Departing:
-
Start engine, check for swimmers/boats.
-
Release one bridle line at a time.
-
Let lines pass fully through the mooring ring.
-
Drift or reverse away slowly—avoid sudden throttle.
-
Depart into the wind/current in a controlled manner.
Final Tips:
-
Always approach slowly and prepared.
-
Secure using a proper bridle.
-
Monitor wind and current.
-
Depart with care to avoid disturbing others.