Every yacht reacts differently to influences such as wind and rudder angle. This depends on its hull shape, its appendages and the type and power of the drive. This is why it is particularly difficult for newcomers to a boat to make perfect manoeuvres in confined spaces or under difficult conditions, such as charterers. This is because experience from other boats is not always transferable.
It is a misconception that modern yachts automatically simplify harbour manoeuvres. Due to the split lateral plan and the narrow keels and rudders, they are normally very manoeuvrable and, above all, very easy to steer astern. However, this is countered by another development. The desire for more and more comfort below deck led to very high-sided ships with voluminous superstructures. For the wind, this means that it has a lot of surface area to attack - it can easily drive a yacht away very strongly.
In addition, manufacturers are producing ever larger ships. However, the harbours have not grown with them. The result is pits that are too short and offer hardly any braking distance over the stern lines or, if the piles have been moved aft, very narrow pit lanes. The same applies to marinas in the Mediterranean. This often results in extremely narrow manoeuvring spaces in which even less experienced yachts have to manoeuvre.
In the current issue of YACHT 4/2016, we have put together 15 tips on how to make harbour manoeuvres successfully even with a small crew and modern yachts in difficult conditions.
