Mooring system and method

A method of connecting a mooring line to the sea bed, the method comprising:

• providing a connector structure having an attachment portion attached to a mooring line, and an engagement portion;
• and an anchor structure anchored to a sea bed, wherein the anchor structure comprises an open guide channel sized to accommodate at least the engagement portion of the connector structure, and the longitudinal opening extends upwardly from the open guide channel;
• lowering the engagement portion of the connector structure into an entrance region of the guide channel, or lowering the engagement portion adjacent to an entrance region of the guide channel and moving the engagement portion generally horizontally into the entrance region;
• moving the engagement portion distally along the guide channel from the entrance region to a terminal region of the guide channel;
• engaging the engagement portion of the connector structure with the terminal region of the guide channel such that the terminal region retains the engagement portion against movement of the engagement portion upward from the entrance region;
• and is configured to support the connector structure;
• and
• extending the mooring line from the attachment portion in a direction in relation to the guide channel generally upwardly or distally away from the entrance region.

A method of disconnecting a mooring line, comprising:

• providing a connector structure having an attachment portion attached to a mooring line, and an engagement portion, and an anchor structure anchored to a sea bed, wherein the anchor structure comprises an open guide channel having a the longitudinal opening extending upwardly from the open guide channel,
• wherein the engagement portion is engaged with a terminal region of the guide channel such that the terminal region retains the engagement portion against movement of the engagement portion upward from the entrance region and is configured to support the connector structure;
• and wherein the mooring line extends from the attachment portion in a direction in relation to the guide channel generally upwardly or distally away from an entrance region of the guide channel,
• wherein the method comprises:
• moving the engagement portion proximally along the guide channel from the terminal region to the entrance region of the guide channel;
• and
• lifting the engagement portion of the connector structure out of the entrance region of the guide channel, or moving the engagement portion generally horizontally out of the entrance region.