Behind the wheel of a chase boat is where most aspiring superyacht captains build their vessel-handling skills. If you’re climbing the ranks, there’s massive learning potential in the position before moving on to a large-yacht second and chief officer position. Depending on the size of the chase boat, most boats will ask for, at a minimum, a Yachtmaster qualification, an AEC 1 and 2, alongside three or more years of experience.
A chase boat is a smaller, auxiliary boat to the main yacht. They aren’t typically craned and kept on board due to their size and so are usually towed. They’re not tenders and are more of a standalone vessel. Depending on the size of the main vessel, this could mean a nine-meter center console, a 17-meter Wajer, or even a 24-meter-plus sportfisher.
Chase boats are usually secured to the main vessel on mooring whips — long flexible fiberglass poles attached to the main vessel — to hold off the chase boat to prevent constant contact with fenders. Chase boats are held off on the “hip” of the vessel, usually just forward of the starboard or port quarters, or lengthways along the stern. Having a chase boat attached should carry extra vigilance as often they are vulnerable to adverse conditions should the vessel be at anchor, and it may be necessary to transfer it to a long tow at any time.
Bringing a chase boat alongside to a larger vessel can often be even more difficult than bringing her safely to a dock and is one of the most maneuver-intensive parts of the job. The usual factors of wind, current, and swell/sea affect both vessels differently, and at times it may not be possible to bring the chase boat alongside until in a more sheltered area.
A standard approach is steering at a 45-degree angle to your intended position at idle speeds, then steer away when relatively close while disengaging engines. The ideal outcome is coming to a position where you can pass off lines while the chase boat comes to a stop just next to the main vessel, but touching fenders is usually expected.
As always, slow is pro. It’s best to hold off momentarily before making the approach to observe the wind and current and the swing of the main vessel on her chain; if you find her swinging towards you as you make your approach, your time to position the chase boat lengthways will be drastically cut short. Again, as you approach, play through in your mind your maneuvers and commands before you begin. How will the wind and current impact your inputs? Also, consider the vessel’s capabilities. Joystick steering, plus bow and stern thrusters, are all tools in your belt.
Chase-boat captaincy can be one of the most enjoyable roles in yachting, facilitating the exciting fishing, diving, and cruising trips. It is a major milestone in a yachting career.
This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of Dockwalk.