as soon as he can reach it, and to belay the mooring rope smartly. To miss one's moorings by shooting past them or short of them in a crowded anchorage may place one in an awkward position; for the vessel will then drift helplessly away, and is likely to fall foul of neighbouring craft before she can be got under control. If you fail to pick up your moorings after luffing up to them under the mainsail, hoist the foresail smartly and ease off the main-sheet so as to get the vessel under control as quickly as possible. But when tide meets wind, moorings can be picked up, without any risk, in the manner described above, by running up to them instead of luffing. The buoy is then easily secured; and even if the hand with the boathook bungle the business, the foresail can be hoisted in a moment and the vessel gathers way again. When approaching one's moorings it is prudent to have a kedge or small anchor ready to let go in case of accidents.
When anchoring, do not pay chain out too fast, as it will fall on the top of the anchor, and possibly take a turn round the fluke, in which case the anchor will drag out of the ground as soon as a strain is put upon it. Having let the chain which has been ranged on deck run out, wait till the vessel goes astern and the chain tautens before giving her more; then do so gradually until she has enough to hold her—about three times the depth of the water suffices as a rule; but more
