Question about Mooring/Anchoring

[coreyholmes]

Hey,

Im really new to sailing and am about to go on my first big sailing trip. Im sailing from San Diego up to Vancouver Island, Canada. My question is this: If I see a Moor in the water am I alound to hook my boat up to it or do I have to just Anchor my boat somewhere? Sorry if its a dumb question.

Thanks
Corey

[Redcoat]

My advice is to anchor. Never trust a mooring that you haven't inspected yourself or is a insured lease. Even then beware.You have a lot of long hops in front of you plan wisely.

[anglooff]

Thats trip seems a particularly challenging one for someone new to sailing. Can I assume that you are not sailing singlehanded and have someone with some experience along. As to moorings. Normally they are private and it is not good form to use without permission. As redcoat states they also can bein poor condition.

Alan

[coreyholmes]

Is it really that hard of a trip even if we are following the coast?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by coreyholmes

Is it really that hard of a trip even if we are following the coast?

Absolutely. Following the coast in this case does not make for an easier trip. I just replied to your other post with more details. You might want to take a look.

[Bill Lee]

Hi Corey,
You're going 'uphill' and will be bashing most of the way along one of the most dangerous coastlines. As to your question - I live in the PNW and cruise here extensively. In BC, assume All mooring buoys are private except those in marine parks. You are not allowed to moor onto private buoys. Many private mooring buoys are unsafe and I've found that most marine park ones are fine. Nonetheless, I never use mooring buoys and trust my anchor and anchoring technique. So far, I've never dragged and always sleep well. Be safe.
Cheers,

Bill

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by coreyholmes

Is it really that hard of a trip even if we are following the coast?

Yes it is. It is a dangerous trip for an inexperienced sailor. It is a challenging trip for an experienced sailor

[markpierce]

You should acquire and study a cruising guide such as Charlie's Charts of the U.S. Pacific Coast.

In the short term you should acquire the necessary knowledge on how to choose and equip a suitable vessel for the voyage.

Without a practical knowledge of sail handling, navigation, etc., you will need expert onboard guidance.

How do you know you will enjoy the experience. You need to do a lot of sailing, including several-day overnights to decide.