259. -- Preparations for Leaving the Wharf and Hauling Out in the Stream.

To haul off and moor ship. -- Before hauling off, all the spare spars should be hoisted in and secured, boat's chocks placed, all the stores, provisions, and water got on board; it would be also well to see that there is a sufficient quantity of brooms, bathbrick for cleaning bright-work, lime and size for whitewash, and everything that is allowed and requisite for the ship. The complement of men from the receiving ship should be got on board, and the boats provided with crews, oars, and sails. When everything necessary is completed, make preparations for hauling off. Get up the kedges and hawsers ready for instant service; have the ends of the hawsers pointed up each hatchway, ready for handing out if wanted. Run out a kedge, and drop it where the first, or weather-anchor is to be planted; have lines from the ship to shore -- single the fasts -- hang over fenders and outriggers -- man the hawser, cast off the fasts, and warp off; checking her as may be necessary by the lines. When warped out to kedge, run it up to the bows, and let go the weather anchor; veer as fast as she will take it, assisting her in going astern by the helm, jib, or spanker, and in case there is no wind, use kedges and hawsers.

When a double scope is out, stopper the cable, and let go the second anchor -- furl the mizzen-topsail -- bring-to on the weather cable, and heave in to the moorings; moor a little taut, to allow for veering. If a hemp-cable, clap on the service, and veer to the hawse-hole.


William Brady: The Kedge Anchor or Young Sailors' Assistant, 1876 [18th].

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius


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