Chris1975

I have been boating on the broads since I was 8 years old with silver line. I’ve had everything from a 28 foot bathtub to a 44 foot flying bridge cruiser. Without sounding arrogant I feel that I would be comfortable and able solo cruising. Based on the fact that my last 4 boats on the broads ( a 35 foot flying bridge alpha 3 times and a 42 foot sliding canopy cruiser ) have all been with my partner. My partner doesn’t like the cold and on several occasions as we were not blessed with warm sunny weather I solo helmed the cruiser and moored without assistance. Stern on moorings are simple. You simply moor as usual then leave the boat gently in reverse to pin it against the quay while you tie up. Side on moorings are trickier. I found that by laying the bow and stern ropes down the sides of the boat is the only way in my opinion. One simply comes in as usual then hops onto the side, takes both ropes to steady the boat until you feel ready. Then simply tie the stern rope first as you should be coming. In against the tide. The tide itself should be enough to stop the bow drifting out but even so you will still have both ropes at hand. Once the stern is tied off simply tie off the bow. I’ve done both methods on numerous occasions and become competent enough to solo moor every time without the help of my partner. I have a boat booked this May and due to a relationship break down I’ll be asking the boat yard if they will honour the booking for one instead of two. Your opinion on this would be very welcome ?