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Getting in without power or wind by a dinghy tow



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What is the issue?
If you are becalmed and have an engine failure the vessel is effectively helpless and your natural resort is to notify the Coastguard or ask for a tow from a passing boat.

Why address this?
Apart from being a personal inconvenience the vessel could be impeding a busy waterway or be in danger as a result.

How to address this?
You have one other means of propulsion to get the vessel in before asking for help. If you have a decent outboard it may be enough to use the tender to move the vessel in calm conditions.

Line layout for vessel to be powered in by a dinghy
Photo: Michael Harpur


If you have not tried this before the line arrangements presented below are the most effective route for a dinghy tow. The dinghy needs to be manned to prevent it from tipping up.

With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.
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