Knowledge

Manoeuvre

- KVR classifies vessels according to manoeuvrability: at the top, those unable to manoeuvre or with restricted manoeuvrability; next, fishing vessels and sailing vessels; at the bottom, motorised vessels.
- A vessel’s status is determined by the signals it displays and its means of propulsion; the overtaking vessel is always obliged to give way, regardless of its priority.
- In narrow fairways and within the VTG, larger vessels must not be obstructed and vessels must keep to the right; crossings must be clearly visible and as close to right angles as possible.

KVR rules on giving way: Which vessel must give way to which?

- The Voxtob Manoeuvre Box visualises harbour manoeuvres, clarifies responsibilities and facilitates crew briefings ahead of stressful situations in the harbour.  
- The haptic board, featuring a model boat and a simulated harbour, is particularly useful for helping inexperienced crews to plan manoeuvres together.  
- The box is no substitute for practical experience on the water, but it can help to structure procedures; it costs 49 euros (S) or 64 euros (larger version with a second boat).

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box: Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

- The distinction between the vessel obliged to give way and the vessel maintaining course only applies when there is a risk of collision, as indicated, amongst other things, by a stationary bearing.
- The risk of collision is assessed using a bearing compass, radar (CPA/TCPA) and, where applicable, AIS; in cases of uncertainty, the worst-case scenario must be assumed.
- Vessels obliged to give way must take early, clear and wide-ranging action, whilst vessels on course must maintain their course and speed and only give way in an emergency.

KVR explains: When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

- The KVR define obligations rather than rights of way and require responsible risk avoidance rather than rigid adherence to the letter of the law.  
- Rule 2 requires that, in the event of imminent danger, one must deviate from the rules of way and always choose the safest course of action to avoid a collision.  
- Safe navigation requires a vigilant lookout and an appropriate speed; the KVR apply worldwide in waters navigated by seagoing vessels, supplemented by local regulations.

KVR explains: Think for yourself rather than insisting on right of way

- Physical intervention to prevent boats from colliding carries a high risk of injury; maintain a safe distance solely by manoeuvring, using lines and fenders.
- Fenders must be correctly positioned at the widest point of the boat; do not climb over or jump from the boat unless the distance can be safely controlled.
- Boat control in the harbour is achieved through prepared mooring lines, clear procedures and the correct sequence when securing the boat, particularly in crosswinds.

Mooring a boat: How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

- A legervall occurs in onshore winds, waves or currents and can quickly cause yachts that are not at a sufficient distance from the leeward coast to run aground.
- Clusters of accidents, particularly in Seegatten and harbour entrances, are often the result of overconfidence, unfamiliarity with the area and technical failure.
- Prevention: choose the leeward shore, factor in currents and break-off points, keep the anchor clear, keep sails ready to reef, make radio contact early and consider insurance risks.

Avoiding Legerwall: What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

- Gaff sails were a defining feature of sailing for centuries, but were later superseded by engines on commercial vessels and by square sails on yachts.  
- The classic gaff sail uses a topsail for light winds; variants with a steeper gaff do not require a topsail and allow for shorter masts.  
- The Dutch type, with a long mast leech and short gaff, lowers the sail’s centre of gravity; the wishbone rig increases sail area and ease of handling, but is expensive and complex.

Traditional sails: What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

- The junk sail distributes tension via partial sheets to the battens, uses lightweight canvas, has virtually no heel, and can be reefed very easily without reefing lines.
- Boats with a junk rig are considered less capable than sloops when sailing close to the wind, but are otherwise similarly capable whilst being significantly easier to handle.
- Sprit sails are simple, inexpensive and gaff-like; they were used on many working boats and, despite their large sail area, allow the boat to be operated with a small crew.

Traditional sail types: junksails and sprit sails explained

- Mooring in a tight squeeze is common in busy summer harbours; preparation, consideration and clear arrangements make docking and casting off safe and stress-free.  
- Legally, it is difficult to refuse a request to moor alongside; conflicts usually arise from a lack of consideration, poor communication and a rush.  
- Important practical rules: choose suitable neighbouring boats, fend off properly, lay out mooring lines, coordinate departure times and never untie other people’s lines without permission.

Crowded harbours in summer: how to moor safely and peacefully in a cluster

- Mooring against rocks requires careful preparation, including checking the weather, gathering information about the area, choosing the right time of day and clearly assigning roles on board.
- Essential equipment: stern anchor with at least 30 m of line, long bow lines, rock nails, a hammer, various fenders and, if necessary, a bow ladder.
- Safe mooring spots have suitable draught, minimal swell and a dry exit; make your first attempts in light winds and have a Plan B for free anchoring.

Mooring at the skerry: How to carry out the manoeuvre in Sweden’s natural harbours

- In crowded summer harbours, skippers can often still find safe, and sometimes unconventional, moorings by being flexible, improvising and communicating.
- There are 15 methods, ranging from mooring in clusters, shared or blocked berths, jetty heads, shallow areas and commercial shipping routes to the outer edge of the pier.
- Digital berth booking via an app can make the search easier, but it is no substitute for a first-hand look at the site, thorough preparation and consultation with the harbour master and crews.

Crowded harbours in summer 2026: 15 tips on how to find a berth after all

- Rah sails are simple, robust and, above all, powerful when sailing downwind and broad reach, but inefficient when sailing close-hauled and labour-intensive when tacking.
- Lugger sails are square-rigged and, in general, more effective close-hauled than square-rigged sails; they allow for a large sail area with a short mast.
- Dipplugger, fixed and balanced lugger sails differ primarily in terms of the effort required to manoeuvre them, their handling and their suitability for small crews.

Traditional sail types: How square-rigged sails and lug sails work

What are sailing manoeuvres? ✅ What sailing manoeuvres are there? ➤ All sailing manoeuvres at a glance + tips ✅

All sailing manoeuvres at a glance - simply explained

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All sailing manoeuvres at a glance - simply explained

KVR rules on giving way
Which vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box
Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explains
When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

KVR explains
Think for yourself rather than insisting on right of way

Mooring a boat
How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

Traditional sails
What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail types
Junksails and sprit sails explained

Crowded harbours in summer
How to moor safely and peacefully in a cluster

Mooring at the skerry
How to carry out the manoeuvre in Sweden’s natural harbours

Crowded harbours in summer 2026
15 tips on how to find a berth after all

Traditional sail types
How square-rigged sails and lug sails work

All sailing manoeuvres at a glance - simply explained

KVR rules on giving wayWhich vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring BoxPrepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explainsWhen the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

KVR explainsThink for yourself rather than insisting on right of way

Mooring a boatHow to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Avoiding LegerwallWhat skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

Traditional sailsWhat gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail typesJunksails and sprit sails explained

Crowded harbours in summerHow to moor safely and peacefully in a cluster

Mooring at the skerryHow to carry out the manoeuvre in Sweden’s natural harbours

Crowded harbours in summer 202615 tips on how to find a berth after all

Traditional sail typesHow square-rigged sails and lug sails work

KVR rules on giving way
Which vessel must give way to which?

Voxtob Manoeuvring Box
Prepare for mooring manoeuvres safely

KVR explains
When the obligation to give way and the obligation to keep to one’s course come into effect

KVR explains
Think for yourself rather than insisting on right of way

Mooring a boat
How to avoid dangerous mistakes when mooring

Avoiding Legerwall
What skippers can learn from the groundings off Norderney

Traditional sails
What gaffs and spread gaffs can do

Traditional sail types
Junksails and sprit sails explained

Crowded harbours in summer
How to moor safely and peacefully in a cluster

Mooring at the skerry
How to carry out the manoeuvre in Sweden’s natural harbours

Crowded harbours in summer 2026
15 tips on how to find a berth after all

Traditional sail types
How square-rigged sails and lug sails work