BOXES and LOCKSES

There can be few greater spectator sports than an English couple attempting to berth into continental box moorings, nor a greater cause of marital disharmony!

In principle, the idea is simple: two rear posts have to be lassoed while going in between them towards a pontoon/quay to which the bows are fastened to rings or cleats. Some boxes have a short alongside-bow finger between pairs of boats; others have brightly coloured side-lines on both sides.

Boxes have singular advantages over pontoon moorings in terms of security and privacy. You will never have another boat rafted alongside. Thus the effort of learning the technique is well worth-while.  But especially with a cross-wind and short-handed, and without proper preparation, they can be an absolute disaster!

This document is provided courtesy of Professor Ted Evans who has sailed his boat ‘Ragged Robin 111’ extensively around Holland.  Ragged Robin is a Hilyard and was formerly owned by Arthur Ransome.

It has been written on the assumption that the boat is manned only by the helm and one crew. (It is obviously much easier if the helm has two crew: one at each stern quarter for boxes and one at each end for locks).

I hope you find it useful, click here to learn more.