Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

docking seamanship 215

hard amidships. Drape the sail over the boom to keep a clear line of sight

forward from the helm.

Using a headsail alone is an option for boats with roller furling or

boats that handle poorly under mainsail alone. Just remember that this

clutters the foredeck with sheets and flapping canvas. Your crew must

be on the bow during the entry and docking phase. If you feel you might

need to head up in an emergency, stick with the mainsail.

6. Turn into the slip, and feather the rudder if necessary. Instruct the crew to
   pass the spring lines over the outer slip pilings to port and starboard as soon as
   possible. If your approach is a bit fast, move the rudder rapidly in a continuous
   motion from hard left to hard right. Th is maneuver, called feathering, helps slow
   the boat.
   You can also feather to move the bow quickly in one direction. For example,
   to make a fast starboard pivot, spin the wheel swift ly from amidships to the right.
   Hold it for a second, until the bow starts to turn. Th en move it smoothly back to
   amidships and throw it hard over to starboard again. Continue this rhythm as
   long as necessary. Helmsmen on a tiller-steered boat in this case would move the
   tiller from amidships hard to port, then back to amidships, repeating as needed.
   You’ll be amazed at how fast the boat will turn in the desired direction.

How to Parallel Park between Two Boats

Th ere is delight to be had from handling a boat well—and being seen

to handle her well.

—Des Sleightholme, Better Boat Handling

Th e dockmaster directs you to park between two vessels with only inches to
spare, both ahead and astern. Gusting wind and strong current add to the fun.
Now what, skipper?

SECRETS OF SUCCESS IN UNFAMILIAR MARINAS
You turn the corner into the marina and notice swirling water at the piling bases
streaming toward you. But a strong wind blows from astern. Which element should
you choose to face? Should you moor port- or starboard-side to the fuel pier?
Keep the following in mind in all docking sequences.

Before entering the marina basin. Rig lines on all four corners of the boat.
Hang two or more fenders on each side and assign a crewmember to work
a roving fender. You’ll notice that each of the following scenarios begins
with the fi rst line to get ashore. But you also need to set up your deck for the
unexpected.