216 seamanship secrets
Upon entering. Stop all momentum and drift for a few seconds. Observe
whether wind or current dominates. If possible, always make an approach
into the stronger of the two elements.
Side control. Th ink of any vessel, power or sail, as having three “sides”—bow,
stern, and sides. As long as we face into the wind or current with bow or
stern, we control the vessel. We give up some of that control the moment we
expose part of one side to either element. We give up complete control once
we expose one whole side to these forces. With this in mind, let’s look at
how to deal with four specifi c docking situations.
SEA-CRET TIP
X Watch overhanging gear, such as anchors in roller chocks, bow
pulpits, and bowsprits. These can bump or snag on pilings or pier
cleats. It’s diffi cult to judge how far your bow is from the pier.
Have the bow crew use hand signals or fi ngers for the number of
feet to the pier.When docking with the wind and current coming from ahead, align your boat parallel
with the dock (1). Angle the bow slightly toward the pier momentarily to allow the wind
and current to push it toward the pier. Th en, turn your rudder away from the pier and
use your engine to crab the boat across wind and current into the berth (2). Control your
boat’s position to prevent her from setting down onto the boat astern (3).