Wind is in the east … I am always conscious of an uncomfortable sensation now and then when the wind is blowing in the east. - Charles Dickens

Arriving

Well before arriving make sure there are plenty of fenders in position with suitable warps. Often one on the centre cleat to be tied to the nearest pontoon cleat on arrival is best. The boat can then be restrained quickly. Do ask for help if someone is about. However, the best action is to plan to moor about 2 metres (6 feet) away from the pontoon and let the wind blow the boat in the last 2 metres. So, arrive at the chosen spot and stop at an angle to take account of the boats windage and then blow alongside. On a sail boat the mast will blow the bow round and on a powerboat the cabin will do the same so angle the boat accordingly.

Departing

This is all about how to move the boat to windward whilst being blown on to the pontoon. Generally, manoeuvring at slow speed and revs is best but in this case, a firmer hand with the controls is needed.

Often going out astern is the best option but this may not be the case for single prop boats whether sail or motor as it depends on which way the prop kicks. A bow thruster can also fundamentally change the scene if they are powerful enough.

Springing off is the favourite trick on a sailboat. The last line left on is from the bow to a cleat on the pontoon well aft. This can be tended by the crew or preferably someone staying behind. The turns on the cleat should be firm but no locking hitches. Motor forward against the spring firmly and the bow will turn into the pontoon, it is worth having a fender up forward.  The stern moves out away from the deck against the wind, do not be shy about getting the stern as far to windward as possible. A smart hail is needed to release the spring as the engine is put firmly in astern to drag the boat up-wind away from the pontoon. Go as far from the pontoon as possible so that there is drift room as the boat then turns to motor away.



A twin-engine powerboat is an easier proposition but the extra windage can cause a surprise so again a firm hand is needed. A spring can be used but the ability to have one engine going forward and one aft which turns the boat, has the same effect. Put the engine closest to the pontoon in reverse and the outer engine in ahead. Balance the revs to keep on the spot. Add some bow thruster to push the bow in to the pontoon as well, even better some stern thruster to help the spin the boat more. Once the boat has the bow well into pontoon increase the revs on the inner engine to start the boat moving out, upwind and away from the pontoon. Once the boat is definitely clear the outer engine can be put in astern too. Do not do this to soon, make sure the boat is well away from the pontoon before slowing down and getting underway.



This image shows using spring line but imagine using the engines to have the same effect.
Finally, of course the latest boats with pod drives and joy sticks can just move sideways and so upwind and away from the pontoon though it takes some power and a bit of practice.
 
If is well worth a practice in zero wind.
So don’t let the east wind upset the karma of your world.

Nick Ryley