Saltwater Suzi and Cap'n Larry's advice for the cash-starved boater
Rock and Roll
You’ve tucked in behind a nice point of land, protected from the wind, and dropped anchor.

Then the wind pipes up and the waves start building.  The wind continues from the same direction, but the waves wrap around the end of the point and hit you smack on the side - giving you that nasty rock and roll that not only can keep you awake, but cause you to spill your rum.
Here’s what you do:

1. Pull out that line which you use as a spring line when you’re tied to the dock.  It should be sturdy and a little longer than the length of the boat. Using a rolling hitch, tie one end to the rode just off the front of the boat.
2. Now let out some rode - maybe about half the length of the boat - maybe a little more - and tie it off.  Now take the other end of the (spring) line back to a winch amidship on the lee side of the boat.
3. Now crank in that line until your bow is pointing into those nasty waves.  Presto-change-o.  No more rock and roll.  Go below and sip your rum and sleep the night away.
This is a photograph which illustrates the above situation.  Notice the wave which is heading straight in just beyond the smaller rock outcropping.   Then notice the angle of the wave closer to shore.  If you could view from directly above, the waves probably are about 45 degrees to each other.  If you were anchored back there your boat would be facing into the wind, but being hit on the side from the waves which have bent around that rock you thought was going to protect you.