Rafting Guidelines

In order to encourage our members to come out and sail with us as a group, and to learn more about maneuvering their boats, the club offers the following guidelines for rafting. These guidelines are intended to help avoid accidents, confusion and damage while enjoying our overnight raft-ups and to have a safe and congenial cruising experience.

Raft Captain

• Publish an article in the newsletter preceding the event to provide information about such things as:
  • When you plan on arriving at the raft-up location.
  • Anything special that might need to be brought (i.e., appetizers, your favorite cocktail, etc.).
  • Time period you (or your designee) will be monitoring Ch 72 on the hour and half-hour.
  • Any special plans or arrangements you have made (i.e., dinner reservations, slip arrangements, dance contests, etc.).
  • Cellular phone #, if you have one, and home phone #.
• Monitor Ch 72 on the hour and half-hour during the agreed time.
• Direct the raft-up to balance the boats around the "anchor" boat.
• Decide how many boats to carry overnight.
• If appropriate, direct the break-up of the raft in time to allow boats to get anchored and set.
• If appropriate, call marinas to tell them the fleet is coming and coordinate activities such as picnics, cocktail hour, etc.
• Coordinate changes to alternate destinations with Commodore or Vice Commodore.
• Write a post-cruise article for the newsletter.

Anchor Boat

• The Raft Captain is usually the Anchor Boat but can designate another boat.
• Ground tackle should be capable of holding a raft of several boats in normal situations. Lunch hooks are not acceptable. An oversized anchor and long chain will make your rafting guests feel much more comfortable overnight.
• A working anchor light, portable or masthead, is required.
• As needed, other boats must be ready to set an additional anchor, to set anchor lights, to operate their motor for maneuvering the raft, or to break up the raft.

Members attending a CCYC event

• Contact the Raft Captain to let him/her know that you will be attending. This is not only out of courtesy but also lets the Captain know whom to contact if there are changes.
• Bring your own fenders and lines. (See Equipment)
• Bring whatever is asked for in the way of foodstuffs (i.e., dish to share, etc.).
• Call on Ch 72 as you are approaching to get rafting directions.

Equipment

• Two spring lines, with loops.
• Two breast lines, with loops. Diameter of all lines should be equal to your regular docking or anchor lines. Multiple bow cleats will make tying off several lines much easier than one large one.
• At least two large fenders capable of completely protecting the side (hull and rail) of your boat. Covering them with colorfast acrylic materials helps to eliminate those annoying rubbing sounds caused by boat movement. Hang your fenders from your lifelines or rail; that way, they will remain with your boat.

Joining The Raft

• Approach the raft from astern.
• The Raft Captain will direct you to the side to join.
• Deploy your fenders on the inside of the raft, and have all lines and crew ready for tying up.
• Coast to a stop BESIDE the raft; do not push it around by bumping into it at speed.
• Extend the loop end of your line to the inside boat - your knots are your responsibility.
• Run a forward breast line from the bow of the boat inside you to your bow and secure it (it will be adjusted later).
• Run the aft breast line from the stern of the inside boat to your stern.
• Run the first spring line from the boat inside yours to your stern. Adjust the spring so that your spreaders are one to three feet aft of the inside boat's spreaders.
• Adjust breast lines so that the centerlines of the two boats are parallel.
• The second spring line, run from the inside boat to your bow, and drawn against the first spring, will prevent the boats from seesawing forward and backward. They must be used for raft maneuvering.
• If these lines are adjusted properly and drawn tightly against one another, the boats will ride easily with minimal contact in waves and winds.

Rafting Courtesy

• Realize that other sailors will be walking across your boat to visit others. Clear away your own sails, lines and articles so as to avoid accidents.
• To maximize privacy, cross only on the forward decks and not the cockpits. Wear clean deck shoes and do not step on sails or other articles.
• Secure all halyards away from masts to prevent slapping noises. Dinghies may need attention also.
• Prepare your boat for any likelihood of bad weather during the night.
• Be available to remove your boat in case of increasing winds.