When towing a heavy boat or another yacht, with the wind anywhere on the beam, make your towing warp fast on your weather quarter. This will make the load tow easier and your boat will steer better. When towing with the wind aft, keep the warp amidships, by using a bridle from each quarter. If the tow is being steered, veer a long scope of hawser, so as to get a heavy bight; this will ease the strain in a seaway.
TRIPPING.
Towing alongside:
To tow a dingey alongside, make fast to the fore thwart, or to anything, about one-third aft from the stem. In this way you can tow a dingey under the lee while getting men or stores out of her. The same plan is used in towing along a canal or narrow thoroughfare by tracking on the bank.
Towing:
When towing, never make a warp fast so that it cannot be instantly cast off. It is always best to keep a sharp knife handy, so as to be able to cut the line. In a seaway this should always be looked to.
Towing, to tack when:
When towing a heavy boat in rough water, or when the wind is scanty, and you have to tack, place a hand or two on the line to haul in. When ready to put the helm down have them take in considerable slack. At the call “Helm’s a-lee!” let go the line and tack your boat on the slack line. This will enable you to get round and have way before the pull of the tow comes on your boat.