When you sail on one of the historic or traditionally rigged vessels in our fleet, you’re not just a bystander —you become part of the crew. Our voyages are all about embracing hands-on sailing experiences, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. With guidance from our experienced crew, you’ll have the chance to get involved in everything from raising sails to navigating—and even mooring the ship in bustling harbours, pretty rivers and quiet anchorages.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of mooring techniques, how they’ve evolved over time, and what you, as a Classic Sailing sailing guest, can expect to experience firsthand.
A Historical Perspective: Stopping the Giants of the Sea
Before modern engines, tall ships like tea clippers often sailed non-stop for months at a time, covering vast distances across oceans. When they finally reached their destination, the process of stopping and securing such large vessels required skill, teamwork, and some serious hardware.
Without engines to manoeuvre in tight spots, these ships relied on wind, sail handling, and large anchors to stop and hold position. The anchors were massive, and dropping them was a delicate operation, timed perfectly to avoid overshooting a port or running aground. Tugs came into play as technology advanced, helping large vessels navigate up rivers and into smaller ports.
Today, although most of our ships carry engines for manoeuvring in busy harbours, many of the traditional techniques for stopping and securing vessels are still in use. And on your voyage, you’ll get the chance to see how these time-honoured methods work in practice—and maybe even get involved!
Anchoring, or ‘Dropping the Hook”!
Anchoring remains one of the most important techniques for stopping a vessel, particularly when you’re moored in a peaceful bay or a scenic natural harbour. As a sailing guest, you’ll see how the crew prepares the ship for anchoring, and if you’re keen, you can help with the process.
Here’s how it works:
- Ready the anchor: As the ship nears its chosen anchoring spot, the crew prepares the anchor at the bow. On larger vessels, this involves coordinating the heavy anchor and chain with precision.
- Paying out the chain: The crew measures the correct amount of chain to deploy—usually 5 to 7 times the depth of the water. Anchor chains are marked at intervals to ensure the right length is paid out. You may help count the markings as the chain runs out.
- Setting the anchor: Once the anchor is deployed, the crew will often gently reverse the vessel to help the anchor dig into the seabed. You’ll see how the crew ensures the anchor holds by watching the vessel’s position, and this might be something you help monitor as part of the crew.
Images above: 1) Anchors are stowed securely until needed. 2) The bigger the ship, the bigger the anchor! Little ‘Moosk’ has a (comparatively) small anchor and windlass. 3) Anchoring means exploring beautiful anchorages! 4) Once anchored, a day shape (in this case an anchor ball) and an anchor light are hoisted to tell other vessels that a ship in at anchor.
Picking Up a Mooring Buoy
Many sailing destinations, especially in well-travelled areas, provide mooring buoys as an alternative to anchoring. This method is (usually, but not always!) quick and simple, and guests on board will often take part in the process. Here’s what you might experience:
- Ready the lines and boat hook: As you approach the buoy, the crew prepares a boat hook and mooring lines. You may be asked to help guide the vessel as we come close.
- Picking up the buoy: Using a boat hook, one of the crew members (or perhaps you!) will catch the pick-up line attached to the buoy and secure it to the vessel’s bow. There is usually a flurry of activity, and sometimes it takes a couple of goes if you’re trying to moor in strong current.
- Tying up: With the buoy secured, you can enjoy the calm of a well-placed mooring spot. Mooring on a buoy can be a little more relaxing for crew compared to anchoring. When anchoring, it’s wise to keep at least one member of crew aboard while others go ashore incase the anchor drags. Likewise, through the night the crew may be on an “Anchor Watch” system, taking it in turns to monitor the vessels position through the night.
Images above: 1) Approaching the buoy: A member of crew (or perhaps you!) assists the helmsman to reach the intended buoy by pointing towards it and calling the distance from it. 2) Sometimes it may be necessary to get more than hands on! While ‘Buoy Wrangling’ is a lot of fun, sailing guests are generally not asked to take part directly in this extreme sport! 3) Sometimes, if there is a strong current, once the buoy is tethered, many hands are needed to secure mooring lines back to the boat. 4) Sitting pretty – here’s Anny of Charlestown happily secured to her buoy.
Coming Alongside a Pontoon
Docking at a pontoon is a practical option when we stop at marinas. You’ll see—or even be part of—the crew’s teamwork as we prepare to dock:
- Prepare the fenders and mooring lines: As you approach the pontoon, fenders are placed along the sides of the ship to protect it from bumping against the dock. You might be asked to help set these up and depending on the height of the pontoon, the crew may ask you to secure the fenders a certain distance above the water.
- Mooring the ship: The helmsperson will slow the ship dow and edge towards the pontoon, Sometimes there are helpful people already ashore to take and secure your mooring lines, other times a member of crew will jump from the ship to the pontoon once close enough and take the lines. Lines usually used are a bowline and sternline (sometimes 2 of each if needed) and spring lines. Together, these keep the ship steady alongside.
Images above: 1) Fenders at the ready! 2) Moosk demonstrating pontoon mooring – fenders set the correct height and bow, stern and spring lines neat and tidy. 3) You may be allocated the job of “Roaming Fender” – moving around the deck and using a fender where and when needed – you don’t usually need to fend off the British Royal Navy, but never say never! 4) At boat gatherings, such as festivals, you may see several boats moored abreast of each other, it’s important to have the largest, sturdiest vessel on the inside and the smallest outside.
Swedish Mooring: A Natural Approach
One of the most unique and charming mooring techniques you might experience on your voyage is Swedish mooring, especially if you’re sailing in the Stockholm Archipelago aboard Sunbeam. This method is deeply rooted in the local maritime tradition, and it’s perfectly suited for the rocky shores of the archipelago.
- Preparing the lines: Instead of dropping an anchor, we’ll secure the ship to rocks or trees on the shore. As we approach the chosen spot, the crew will prepare long mooring lines.
- Tying to the shore: You might have the chance to help carry these lines ashore, either by wading or using a small dinghy, and secure them to sturdy trees or rocks. Once the lines are tightened and the vessel is secured, you can step ashore to explore the peaceful, remote surroundings.
Images above: 1) A ship’s tender is perfect for getting lines ashore. 2) It’s important to choose rock or trees that are securely affixed to the ground! 3) Once the lines are attached, they can be adjusted to perfectly position and secure the ship. 4) With over 30,000 islands, skerries and rocks in the Stockholm Archipelago, there’s plenty of choice and opportunity to try Swedish Mooring!
From the Past to the Present
Sailing aboard one of our historic tall ships is not just a voyage; it’s an invitation to step into the age-old traditions of the sea. Mooring, in all its forms—whether it’s dropping a heavy anchor, picking up a mooring buoy, or tying off to a tree in the Stockholm Archipelago—offers a glimpse into the skill and teamwork required to safely secure a ship. With every technique you participate in, you’ll be building a connection to the mariners of the past, while also learning valuable skills for the future. Whether you’re lending a hand with the anchor chain, guiding the ship into a marina, or mastering Swedish mooring, you’ll leave with memories—and experiences—you won’t soon forget. Join us on board, and become part of the crew as we explore the timeless art of sailing and mooring.
Vessels featured in this article: Anny of Charlestown, Morgenster, Cutty Sark, Moosk, Pilgrim of Brixham, Irene of Bridgwater, Sunbeam & Tallulah.
