| The summertime is undoubtedly the most enjoyable | | | | to walk to another boat, try as much as possible to |
| time of year for the weekend cruising sailor. Club | | | | walk across the foredecks. That provides more |
| racing, poker runs and social overnighters in a secluded | | | | privacy to boat owners in the cockpit. Obviously, deck |
| anchorage are all things we look forward to when the | | | | shoes or barefoot is the way to go so as not to scuff |
| weather turns mild and inviting. Raft ups are another | | | | or mar other people's decks. Don't litter while crossing |
| experience that many of us do several times a | | | | over and use care when transporting food or drinks. |
| summer so knowing proper etiquette and safety | | | | Going from deck to deck on pitching boats can |
| techniques are important when tying up to someone | | | | sometimes be, shall we say, interesting. |
| else's boat. | | | | Before you get to the raft up, prepare at least two |
| If you are going to be the center boat, it's always best | | | | sets of tie-up lines and sufficient size and number of |
| to have lines fore and aft of the vessel. Tying up to an | | | | fenders. Place fenders along the widest beam part of |
| anchored buoy or piling is best but if they're not | | | | the boat. You should be heading into the wind when |
| available, set good anchors fore and aft and dive and | | | | coming alongside. Have crew ready and alert the boat |
| inspect them if you're unsure of their set. Obviously, | | | | you want to tie up to of your intentions. "Permission to |
| your boat should be one of the largest boats to raft up | | | | tie up?" is always a good, courteous move and shows |
| if you intend on being the center boat. If other larger | | | | respect for your new neighbor, particularly if they are |
| boats raft up alongside you, they'll more than likely | | | | strangers. Tie up fore and aft with secure cleat |
| need to set anchors as well depending on the | | | | hitches. |
| conditions of tide and wind. Also realize that if you are | | | | When leaving the raft, plan your exit with the crew |
| the center yacht, you'll be the last one to leave unless | | | | and notify the boat(s) that you are tied up to. Take |
| you don't mind possibly upsetting a few folks when | | | | wind and tide into consideration and ease away |
| you pull out early! | | | | without making a wake. |
| When joining a raft, take care in trying to offset your | | | | Preparation, safety and practicing good rafting protocol |
| mast to the next boat to avoid masts slamming into | | | | will lead to enjoyable times with your boating neighbors |
| each other in a swell or wind. When using other boats | | | | and ensure an invitation to the next raft up! |