Moorings

The mooring field South of the Club has reached saturation. In other words it is quite difficult to find locations to place additional vessels. In addressing this problem, we follow the Harbormaster requirements as to chain and pennant length. Deviations from these lengths increase the likely hood of vessels coming in contact in the mooring area. The simplified formula we use for over overall rode length is twice the Mean low water (MLW) depth plus 35 feet. This includes a lower chain length of MLW plus 5 feet, an upper chain length of MHW (Mean High Water) plus 10 feet and a pennant of 2 1/2 times the height of the chock above the water. We are assuming a range of tide of 10 feet and a pennant of 10 feet. for the simplified formula.

To maximize the number of vessels handled in our area we have established spacing equal to the length of the rode plus the length of the vessel. Based on this spacing and the rode length requirements explained above, your mooring anchor would be located just below the stern of the vessel ahead of you. Of course this would mean that the distance between your bow and the vessel ahead stern would be equal to the length of the rode. The spacing to vessels on either side would be equal to the length of the rode plus the length of the vessel. (Click sketch for further detail)

In the mooring area we use, the depth of MLW ranges from 3 feet to 25 feet. Vessels range in length from 15 feet to 60 feet. With these variables, the circles of swing vary considerably. When the wind is very light the chain tends to hang straight down drawing the vessel closer to the block. This makes the circle of swing smaller reducing the probably of contact when vessels of the same design and size hang to the same wind and current conditions. When vessels located together are different in size and/or design, it is likely that they will be influenced differently by current, wind and wind shadow of adjacent vessels.

Over the years, placement of moorings was done empirically with changes in position until owners were comfortable with the results. As boats became larger the circles of swing became larger. In many cases this spacing resulted in acceptable spacing between vessels. When contact became unacceptable, adjustments were made by trial and error. What has resulted is acceptable workable clearances, that are, in many cases, less than our spacing guidelines and in other cases somewhat greater. Where there is satisfactory results, It seems prudent to leave things alone for now. However, occasionally when the mooring is transferred to another vessel the contact with neighbors can become excessive.

Currently, and even if we were able to correct spacing to meet our guidelines, Vessels swing into approximately 40 % of the circle of swing of their neighbors. as indicated in the sketch to the left. Each of the squares represent a mooring block and the circles represent Circle Of Swing (COS) of the vessels connected to the mooring blocks. A look at the center circle indicated the overlap likely in many sections of the mooring area. This indicates how there will always be a chance that vessels may come together if they do not swing the same. This can occur when one vessel is differently effected by the wind and current than neighbors. It is quite understandable that in this mooring area you can expect contact with neighboring vessels occasionally. To space vessels so that there is no probability of contact would reduce serving capacity by a significant percentage.

The mooring area used by Jubilee Yacht Club is to the south of the club. This mooring field is split between the Beverly and Salem Harbormasters. The Blue Line with yellow arcs shows the boundary between the two cities. The red line running along the north portion of the mooring area indicates the boundary of the "Special Anchorage in our area.

Jubilee Yacht Club provides a Mooring Coordination committee that works closely with the Harbormasters and the members in a advisory capacity to clarify issues and resolve problems in the mooring field. In support of this effort, the Mooring Coordinators keep records of members no longer needing moorings and share that information with members looking for moorings. This is especially helpful for new members coming into the club with a requirement for an available mooring.

The Harbormaster Regulations are published and distributed to mooring owners when they receive there annual stickers. A copy of Beverly's regulations is located within the Beverly Harbormaster's web site. Salem Harbormaster, Salem Harbormaster Website, Regulations are similar, varying in just a few areas.