For people who are new to sailing, there’s a lot to learn. For example, when you sail into new waters on a luxury yacht, you cannot dock anywhere you like — especially in big cities like Seattle. Unlike a sports car that you can park almost anywhere, finding a suitable marina to fit your yacht isn’t as easy as finding a car park.
Theoretically, boats are allowed to moor along towpaths, but it depends on the size of the ship. For instance, superyachts need special accommodations and mooring requirements that require a private facility.
According to Emerald Landing, there are several things you need to consider when looking for a private mooring service for your superyacht. Here are the top 6 you need to be on the lookout for:
- Tide and current. Both the tide and current can endanger the ship while maneuvering toward the slip or while moored. The harbor tides could be huge (referring to the gravitational effects of the ocean) and residual (which is computed as the difference between the water level at the harbor and the astronomical tide).
- Capacity. Another thing to look for is the capability of the facility to accommodate the size of the vessel. Most yachts range from 40 feet (any ship smaller than that is usually called a cabin cruiser) to 100 feet. Superyachts can be as long as 500 feet in length, although the average is around 150 feet or so.
- Security. The private mooring facility should be secured 24/7 to ensure that your belongings and state-of-the-art equipment inside the vessel are safe. Knowing your things are secure will allow you to enjoy your stay in a luxurious hotel or villa while your yacht is being serviced. Among the typical solutions are a no-climb fence, controlled gate access, CCTVs, and private security. The security camera can be integrated with your yacht’s onboard security system.
- Private. For some people, their privacy is sacred. If you want to arrive in a city incognito, you will need to look for off-street parking for you and your staff. You will also need private access directly to your yacht, so that you can go in and out anytime you like without being seen.
- Electric power. While moored, you can recharge your batteries at the electrical power outlets at the dock. Each vessel requires different capacities, so you want to make sure yours are included. You want a 60 Hz 480 volt 3-phase outlet with different connections ranging from 100 up to 400 amps. However, some vessels require single-phase power at 120 or 240 volts at 30 and 50 amps.
- Maintenance crew. A full-service private berthing facility would not be complete without a maintenance staff to look over every inch of your vessel. When you sail, you do not usually bring in your own pit crew; you outsource the job when you are moored on a trip. It is simply more convenient that way.
Whether you are in town for a visit or you need to have your ship maintained and repaired in preparation for your next destination, you will benefit from docking in a private facility. You can sail in and out without anyone noticing you, which is fantastic if you want to preserve your anonymity.
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