I second your sentiments, Bryan.
I recall many years ago lying alongside in Port Kembla (Aussy) during one of their local blows. We were snug alongside with the wind blowing us onto the quay. However, the German tramp ship a couple of piers across were not so lucky with the wind blowing her off the quay and we watched as the first headline parted , followed by the remainder one by one. By the time the last headline had gone the alarm had spread on board and all sorts of semi intoxicated deck crew mixed with a few 'lady' guests from ashore were milling about ! By this time the bow had swung across the dock to land on the empty berth opposite, at which point the stern started to take the brunt of the gale and those lines started to part one by one. Like some rehearsed ship manoeuvre she then moved her stern over the dock, where they put the gangway down sufficient for a couple of AB's to jump onto the quay and fresh moorings were put out and everybody disappeared, presumably to finish of the party ! Clever stuff and great entertainment !
Mike