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Lesson 5 - Rafting

Yacht rafting is a key skill for mooring safely and efficiently, whether you’re on the coast, in open water, or alongside a dock. In this guide, we cover five main rafting methods with preparation, execution, and departure tips.

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1. Line Rafting to Shore 🌊

Description: Yachts anchor offshore and tie stern lines to land, forming a line parallel to the shoreline.

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Steps:

  • Preparation:

    • Brief crew

    • Scout anchorage (depth, seabed)

    • First yacht secures long stern line to shore via dinghy

  • Anchoring:

    • Drop anchor directly offshore from mooring point

    • Reverse slowly while paying out chain

    • Secure stern line when in position

  • Set Anchor:

    • Use 1500 RPM to tighten chain and set anchor at ~30–45° angle

  • Final Checks:

    • Confirm anchor hold

    • Turn on anchor lights

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2. Anchoring to an Existing Raft ⚓

Description: Add your yacht to an already anchored raft near shore.

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Steps:

  • Prepare bow/stern lines

  • Approach in a straight line, dropping your own anchor

  • Avoid crossing other anchors

  • Tie off to rafted yacht, then secure your own stern line to shore

  • Help the next yacht raft up

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Tips:

  • Use spring lines to maintain raft shape

  • Avoid a "banana" curve in the raft

  • Check mast clearance

  • Secure all lines and remove trip hazards

 

3. Line Rafting at Sea 🌐

Description: Yachts anchor and raft in open water, alternating directions for balance and holding power.

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Steps:

  • First Yacht:

    • Drop anchor with 5:1 scope

    • Set anchor firmly by reversing gently

  • Next Yachts:

    • Approach bow-to-stern

    • Cross bow/stern lines with neighbor yacht

    • Drop anchor in opposite direction

  • Raft Stability:

    • Alternate direction with each yacht

    • Use fenders and spring lines

    • Confirm each anchor is holding with gentle reverse

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Benefits:

  • Stronger hold

  • Space-efficient

  • Easy access for socializing

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4. Leaving a Raft (Any Type)

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Steps:

  • Notify nearby skippers before moving

  • Reel in stern line last to avoid drift

  • Remove spring lines first, then bow/stern

  • Depart slowly (~1500 RPM)

  • Retrieve anchor straight up

  • If tangled with another anchor, inform affected yachts immediately

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5. Alongside Docking & Rafting

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Alongside Docking:

  • Choose docking side (port/starboard)

  • Assess wind/current

  • Prepare crew, fenders, and lines

  • Approach slowly using prop walk to align

  • Secure with bow, stern, and spring lines

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Alongside Rafting (Multiple Yachts):

  • Secure every 2nd yacht to those ahead and behind

  • Every 3rd yacht should also be tied to shore

  • Alternate yacht directions to reduce movement

  • Place larger yachts closest to dock

  • Use fenders generously between all vessels

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Rafting Best Practices ✅

  • Always communicate with nearby skippers

  • Use spring lines to prevent shifting

  • Check anchors for holding tension

  • Watch mast and spreader clearance

  • Avoid overloading one side of a raft

  • Depart in reverse order of arrival

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Final Thoughts ⛵

Yacht rafting requires teamwork, timing, and solid anchoring. Master these methods to make mooring smoother, safer, and more sociable—whether at sea, along the coast, or in a packed marina.

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