Going-Ashore

Franda II spent most of her time anchored "out." This was cheaper and safer—often, there was no charge for anchoring. It was also more difficult for "would-be thieves" to board and steal anything. But it also meant that going ashore took more effort and time. The type of place we liked to frequent often did not have marinas or anywhere to tie up.

So, not only were the six of us confined to Franda II's 18m by 3 m size, we could not escape easily. Brought up on an 1100-acre farm with room to run, ride horses, and explore, adjusting to being onboard Franda II took time.

If Franda II had berthed in a marina, or been tied "stern to", we would only need to "step" ashore to go for a walk. It would be reasonably safe as most marinas have a degree of security. They have a fence around the whole property and sometimes a guard at the entrance or keycard entry. However, getting ashore when anchored off took time and effort.

Usually when first "at anchor" two of the crew members would lower the dinghy from her davits. First, making sure the painter was tied on with enough slack for the dinghy to reach the water. Then untying both straps that held her tight to the aft stanchions and stopped her rocking or moving with the motion of Franda II. These were unhooked and placed in Grandpa's box.

The bung would be screwed into the inside of the dinghy's stern. Sometimes, this would be forgotten, which made for more work, as the dinghy would then need bailing out.

Next, the ropes attached to the two davits would be untied. Then, two of us would slowly ease both ropes out, allowing gravity to lower the dinghy gently onto the water. One person would then climb over the aft rail and lower themselves down the boat-falls into the dinghy, unhooking the "boat-falls". Then, holding some weight on the clip, the other person would pull on their end, shortening it so it looked tidy. This would be repeated with the other one. The dinghy should now be attached by her painter only.

Lowering the dinghy took less than ten minutes, but it got slightly more challenging if there were waves. Once the dinghy hit the water surface, the process needed to be quick, or the dinghy would get jerked around on the davit's tackle, which was good for neither. Climbing down the "boat-falls" and judging when to let go was a learned skill.

The boarding ladder would be hooked over the side into its deck hoops. Fenders would accompany it. One on either side just above the sea surface, tied at deck level on the stanchions with a half hitch, now and only now could the dinghy be bought alongside for boarding.

The dinghy's painter would be untied from the stern cleat and pulled carefully alongside. The dinghy was an old aluminium one that had already achieved a circumnavigation with the yacht "Beyond". A rubber rub rail around her edges helped protect Franda II's hull from scrapes. But she rode against the "fenders" at the entranceway, which kept the two hulls apart.

If more than one person was going ashore, one person, standing on Franda II's deck, held the painter, aligning the middle of the dinghy with the boarding ladder. The other passengers would step backwards down the boarding ladder. Then, timing their step with the waves, step into the dinghy as close to the amidships line as possible. Ensuring they were only on one or the other of the vessels, not both. This is extremely important as if you have one foot on each, and they drift apart, you fall in the water!

If any bags were going ashore, they were passed down into the dinghy, as it is a bad idea to negotiate the gangway and the moving dinghy with items in your hands.

The rower/s would ready their oars, inserting the outside rowlock into its socket. A person in the dinghy would stand, holding the dinghy in place, while the last passenger would climb down backwards and step into the dinghy. With a big push, the dinghy would leave Franda II's side. The other rowlock would be inserted into the socket, and off we'd go. The person sitting in the aft seat would direct the rowers. The rowers face sternwards where they came from, and the person in the rear seat looks forward to where they are going.

The direction of the wind, waves, and how kind the rowers were determined whether we got to the shore wet or dry. Sometimes, only those seated on the windward side were wet, and the others dry.

If I was just going ashore and there was wind and chop, I would tie the dinghy to the centre bollard, ensuring the painter led through the fairlead so the paint was not rubbed. Then, I would climb backwards down the boarding ladder into the dinghy, install the outboard rowlock, and ship the oar. Before untieing the dinghy, I would check if the other oar and rowlock were onboard. Ensure the entire length of the painter is inboard, push off, take a seat, install the other rowlock and oar, and row away.

The dinghy had half-circle rowlocks tied on so they could not be lost overboard. These enabled the oars to be quickly boated. However, we needed to remember to remove them when alongside or when tied astern, as they could damage Franda II's paintwork.

When returning to Franda II, a similar routine was employed. As the dinging came alongside, the inside oar would be "boated" and the rowlock removed. If the rower had timed it to perfection, the dinghy would come gently alongside where the person with the painter was seated. They would climb the gangway with the painter in hand. Depending on the number of persons, packages, and sea conditions, they would either hold the painter or tie it off to the bollard amidships.

If one other person or the sea is rough. The painter would just be held. This way, the dinghy could be controlled more when the waves come. There is no jerking at the painter; the holder can give her freedom to move and pull her in again after the wave has passed. The rower would "boat" the other oar, remove that rowlock, and climb up the gangway.

If the sea was calm, the dinghy would be tied, and parcels could be passed to those on deck. Nothing was carried up the gangway.

The dinghy could now float gently down to the stern without bumping Franda II's hull and tied firmly to the bollard. There are many stories of dinghies being tied on adequately but somehow managing to float away. It did happen once to us.