You were not getting ready to use them. You were sailing around
and unless you were planning on docking under full sail with sheets
in tight, they should be stowed. Impeding the operation of the boat
isn't the main issue, and if you sailed more regularly, you would know
that. The main issue is them falling off or getting tripped over when
not in use.

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Fenders should be stowed unless you're
using them or getting ready to use them.

We were. We were only out for an afternoon sail...a couple of hours. No
need to
stow fenders and they're not in the way or impeding the operation of the
boat.

RB