There's a new destination mooring(def: no shore access/not land owner-no town permit) in an anchorage I frequent. For nearly 2 decades, the shoal anchorage would allow 2 boats at the most, to anchor with room to swing(not much scope-skilled anchoring only, very shallower-protected). As all our anchorages, it's first come, first serve, basis.

This season, there is a new destination mooring in the anchorage. 2 boats could still anchor there. You're number 2, you anchor with room to swing just inside the destination ball. But the owner of the destination mooring shows up at midnight and his swing comes into your boat. Would you raise anchor and go searching for a new spot?

Or,...because you find you can't anchor in the second space of 'our' anchorage because of a new destination mooring, you hang on that mooring. The owner shows at at midnight. Hmmm, who should go find an anchorage? That could depend on my mood.

These un-regulated, no fee, no land access, no right, moorings, are a conundrum here in our area. I know one guy that planted several, because he didn't know how to anchor securely. This plus laziness may play a bigger part than we know.

In many places, destination moorings work pretty well because the use by the 'owner' is sporatic. Likely, you can take one and have no problem. Less work than anchoring, give it a pull with your engine if you're concerned about tackle.

But the fact is, this is like pitching a tent, permanantly, on public lands, that eliminates a space for traveling hikers all year long, as the owner may, or may not show up, for a night or two.

With destination moorings, whether the owners shows up, or not, he now owns your right to anchor.