An apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating receptacle that is towed by a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be a manned or an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a retractable probe for securing the water vessel to the floating receptacle and also for receiving fuel from the parent ship via the floating receptacle. The floating receptacle has first and second arms pivotally attached to a mounting block, forming a substantially V-shape having an adjustable apex angle.