DINGHIES

Yachts' tenders (dinghies) come in all shapes and sizes and by learning to control them properly you'll add to your enjoyment allo.it But used incorrectly they can be very dangerous.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO!

Make several trips, rather than overloading the dinghy, as a passing wash could swamp you. Don't stand up and always place stores on the deck before trying to leave the dinghy. The dinghy is more stable if secured by the painter (bow rope) rather than just holding on. And, never leave metal rowlocks in when alongside a yacht as they will scratch her hull. Also, try not to let your fingers be squashed between the two boats!

ROWINGA dinghy will row easier if she's not overloaded and the weight distributed so she's trimmed level.

OUTBOARD MOTORSAgain, the boat will go better and be more seaworthy if you trim her level. This might mean using an extension on the outboard's tiller and sitting further forward. The boat on the left is dangerous as the wind could flip her over.

USING A DINGHY AT NIGHT This can be very pleasurable or extremely dangerous. Always wear some form of buoyancy, and take the oars as well as the outboard. Take a torch, to warm others you're there and to find your own boat again!