How to Anchor Stern-To! | St. Barth's Anchoring Tutorial

Learn the complete stern-to anchoring technique (Mediterranean mooring) as Captain James navigates into St. Barth's after a rough crossing from St. Martin. This is the essential skill for anchoring in marinas and tight harbors throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Arriving in St. Barts 01:00 - Radio Communication with Harbor Master 02:30 - Choosing the Right Anchoring Spot 03:45 - Key Principles of Stern-To Anchoring 05:00 - The Approach: Speed and Angle 06:30 - Dropping the Anchor at the Right Time 08:00 - Backing Into Position 09:30 - Communication Between Helm and Crew 11:00 - Securing Stern Lines to the Dock 13:00 - Final Positioning and Staying on Throttle 15:30 - Common Mistakes to Avoid 17:00 - Checking In with Customs WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to communicate with harbor masters on VHF radio - The perfect approach angle for stern-to anchoring - When to drop your anchor during the maneuver - How much chain to use (and why 40 meters was tight!) - Communication signals between helm and bow crew - Why you must stay on the throttles after securing lines - How to test your anchor set while backing in - Proper stern line technique and bracing - What to do if you need to pick up and try again KEY TECHNIQUES COVERED: ✅ Mediterranean mooring (stern-to) approach ✅ VHF radio protocol with harbor authorities ✅ Anchor chain management and depth calculation ✅ Counter-steering on catamarans ✅ Line handling and securing to docks ✅ Testing anchor hold under power ✅ Dealing with swell in exposed anchorages FILMING LOCATION: Gustavia Harbor, St. Barth's - one of the most challenging but rewarding anchorages in the Caribbean WHY STERN-TO ANCHORING MATTERS: This technique is essential for cruising in the Mediterranean, Caribbean marinas, and anywhere space is limited. Whether you're chartering in Croatia, Greece, or the French islands, you'll need to master this maneuver. Captain James breaks it down step-by-step with real challenges including communication issues, limited chain, and dealing with swell. PERFECT FOR: - Bareboat charter sailors - Mediterranean sailing preparation - ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising students - Sailors planning European trips - Anyone nervous about tight marina spaces - Catamaran sailors learning med mooring COMMON MISTAKES ADDRESSED: ⚠️ Not using enough chain for the depth ⚠️ Going in neutral too early after securing ⚠️ Poor communication with harbor master ⚠️ Wrong approach angle ⚠️ Not staying on throttles to test anchor ⚠️ Rushing the final securing process PRO TIPS FROM THIS VIDEO: - Always call ahead on VHF Channel 12 - Use 6 boat lengths of distance for approach - Drop anchor when bow reaches final position - Stay in reverse to test anchor and keep tension - Don't rush - wait 2-3 minutes after lines are secured - Keep wheel centered on cats for slow maneuvers READY TO MASTER MORE ADVANCED TECHNIQUES? - Free "Mediterranean Mooring Guide" → sailingvirgins.com/med-moor-guide - Caribbean Sailing Courses → sailingvirgins.com/caribbean - ASA 104 Certification → sailingvirgins.com/asa-104 BONUS CONTENT: - Real VHF radio exchanges with harbor master - Dealing with rough weather before arrival - St. Barts customs check-in process - Local bakery recommendation (Zy Bakery!) This was filmed with instructor candidates after a challenging crossing from St. Martin - real conditions, real challenges, real solutions! Subscribe for more advanced sailing techniques and destination guides! #SternToAnchoring #MediterraneanMooring #SailingTutorial #StBarts #SailingVirgins #AnchoringTips #CatamaranSailing #BareboatCharter #SailingSkills #AdvancedSailing #SternToAnchoring #MediterraneanMooring #SailingTutorial #StBarts #SailingVirgins #AnchoringTips #CatamaranSailing #BareboatCharter #SailingSkills #AdvancedSailing #MedMoor #AnchoringTechnique #YachtAnchoring #SailingEducation #CaribbeanSailing #GustaviaHarbor #SailingLessons #CharterSailing #ASA104 #MarinaAnchoring #SailingTips #CatamaranLife #SailingCourse #BareboatCruising #SailingTraining