Stern Docking Lines While Underway - Sowing the Seeds of Heresy

I absolutely understand the reasoning behind the careful CYA Cruising standards instruction that we have all received with respect to how docking lines should be handled once you've departed the dock and are heading out thru the channel. We all know very well that a prudent skipper will insist that the docking lines be removed and stowed. The idea of course is that should these lines accidentally fall overboard then once ol' Murphy takes over it's pretty easy for these trailing lines to become entangled in the outboard motor's propeller.

The Martin's have a couple of (er) features which make this strategy - let's say less than ideal. First - that transom-mounted cleat is kind of awkward to reach over and tie or belay the lines to - especially while bouncing around in the wind and waves. Second, the helmsmen is always "in the way" if you must attach the docking lines while you are underway. This is especially true of the Martins whose assigned dock location requires that they are moored with their starboard side to the dock because, as we all know, the only effective place to sit so that you can control both the outboard (gears and throttle) and the helm is seated all the way aft on the starboard rail using the pushpit as a backrest. So unless the helmsman can tie a bowline behind his back, while shifting gears, adjusting the throttle, and steering clear of boats and other obstacles - it is better if another crew person attaches the lines and - CATCH 22  - the helmsman is in the way.

The solution to this dilemma is to (GASP! here's where the heresy comes in) leave the lines attached, coil them (with adequately large loops), double the coil over the pushpit rail and thru itself, and finally snug it up thoroughly (one loop at a time if necessary) so that the lines are neatly and securely attached on the rail with no likelihood of trailing over the side.

 The end result of this elegant solution is that when you return from your sail and you are preparing to dock there is no scrambling around or elbowing of the helmsman. The crew merely grabs the lines looped on the pushpit rail (perhaps having the helmsman lean forward), un-snugs them, and they are ready to go - no muss no fuss!

Hey - it works for me - but if you screw it up by not tightening the loops or otherwise messing up so the lines end up as fodder for the propeller blade then I'll deny all knowledge and question why you ever tried such a foolish, ill considered scheme.

Oh, and if you do use this approach - hopefully you won't forget how to tie a bowline knot cuz you'll still get to practice attaching and removing the docking lines from the pointy end of our Martins.