Walking the Plank

Now for the bad news. The very worst thing about sailing in the Mediterranean is the fact that boats there anchor stern into the dock. This is great, you might say, and indeed it does save a lot of space at the dock. You can get twice the number of boats in this way and it's not that difficult to do. (At least our skipper made it look easy). First, you back slowly to the dock. Then you either drop an anchor OR pick up a mooring line to attach to the bow. Two stern lines and you're in business. Except that the boat is on average 3 feet from the dock. Now it's time to fold out the plank which consists, depending on the conditions, either of a precarious looking metal ladder that bounces around between your boat and the floating dock, OR a wooden plank which also bounces around between your boat and the floating dock. If you want to eat, or shop, or use the bathroom facilities on shore, there is no option but to cross the plank. The trick, I learned, is to not hesitate. Look forward, and go!

I didn't like this very much, but I did get used to it!