BENEFITS

A few words from the originator of Line-A-Sure

I have enjoyed thousands of hours sailing the Solent and the English Channel either alone or short-handed. I brought out Line-A-Sure for others to share because one of the worries of short-handed sailing is coming into a pontoon mooring. It is straightforward enough when you have a crew, and many people who always sail with a crew will not understand why anyone should want a Line-A-Sure. However when you are on your own, and the wind is blowing you off the pontoon anything that helps you to get the first line ashore is hugely useful.

Those like me who love short-handed sailing will have their own ways of doing things, which they will have developed over many years. You will have items of equipment that have become your best friends. You will think your steps through well in advance, and you will avoid at all costs putting what limited crew you have, (if you have any crew at all), or vessel, in danger. Good seamanship is a priority and single or short-handed sailing is probably an obsession which you dream about when you are away from the water. Self-reliance is the nucleus of our pride, and the responsibility we feel for others at sea is deeply ingrained in us. Therefore we avoid calling on the help of others, by adopting infinite preparation, practising our skills until they are second-nature and respecting our fellow seamen and seawomen.

Short-handed sailing is not necessarily more dangerous, and can bring about a higher level of responsibility. Skippers with large crew often feel that they must go to sea to satisfy their crews who have travelled long distances to be there. Often the conditions they face at sea as a consequence, are inappropriate for the experience of the crew and the level of the equipment aboard. The single-handed sailor wisely looks at the conditions on the day, considers the state of his craft and decides for himself alone if it is prudent to venture out.

Every single/short-handed sailor will have his own way of using Line-A-Sure. The skilfull software writers and graphic designers have done a good job already on this web site explaining the virtues of Line-A-Sure, but I would like to offer to you how I use Line-A-Sure. I personally use it in conjunction
with the mid-cleat on my Bavaria 32. I arrange the line in good time before entering the marina and have the Line-A-Sure in the cockpit with me. When I am alongside and all way is taken off my craft I toss the Line-A-Sure onto the pontoon so that it picks up a cleat or the edge of the walkway. It is light and if used responsibly should not cause damage to nearby property or persons. I prefer a Line-A-Sure to a pole, or stick, with a hook or gadget on the end, because it is difficult to reach the cleat from the cockpit and I’ve often found that the stick is never quite long enough. If I was a Medieval jouster I might have more success with a boat hook, but I am not, so I prefer the Line-A-Sure. When I deploy the Line-A-Sure I have no need to leave the steering wheel or tiller.

The Line-A-Sure has been made from tough modern materials. It will not help the Master of The Queen Mary to moor but with realistic seamanship and good practice you the short-handed skipper will learn its capabilities and I am sure it will become a loved part of your inventory.

Fair winds, obliging seas and happy boating to you all!

John G Williams

BSc,PhD.,CChem.,MRSC