What Is a Passarelle?
The gangway between the yacht and the quay - the essential comfort of Mediterranean stern-to mooring and the first test of guest safety.
A passarelle is the gangway extended from the stern, or sometimes the bow, to the quay, and it is a natural part of Mediterranean stern-to mooring. It is the first point of contact for anyone boarding the boat, especially guests and older people: a slippery, wobbly or too-short passarelle is one of the most likely places for an accident on board.
Because the boat is always moving against the quay with tide and line stretch, the passarelle is always in motion too; that is why the wheel or sliding end is a necessity, not an optional extra.
Safety standard
Slip resistance: an anti-slip surface or wooden grating is essential on wet surfaces; adding small lighting for night use is a cheap and effective solution.
Length: the passarelle should always be extended long enough to allow for the boat’s movement, with the end wheel free to move on the quay.
Hydraulic systems: telescopic passarelles should be tested at the start of the season, before guests come aboard.
The usual marina warning still applies: telling a first-time guest to “give us your hand” does a job no passarelle can ever do.