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

docking seamanship 219

DOCKING WHEN THE WIND AND CURRENT
ARE PUSHING YOU AWAY FROM THE PIER

1. Have a crewmember ready with the aft er bow spring line, since that will be the
   fi rst line ashore. Approach at a steep angle, aiming about for the middle of your
   berth. Use forward idle gear to maintain progress and steerage with minimal
   momentum.


2. When the bow reaches the pier, loop the aft er bow spring line around a cleat or
   piling near the aft er end of your berth and bring it aboard. Turn the rudder away
   from the pier. Work the spring line and use idle forward gear against the spring
   line to walk the stern into your berth between the two boats. Twin-screw boats
   can pivot with the inboard engine in forward and the outboard engine in reverse.


3. Hold the boat alongside with the spring line technique described earlier.
   Put out other lines to secure your position.

UNDOCKING WHEN PARALLEL PARKED
When ready to leave, choose one of two methods, depending on wind and
current direction.

Q With wind or current off the dock or from ahead, rig a forward quarter

spring line—i.e., a line led forward from the boat’s inboard quarter to a

cleat or piling on the pier.

Q With wind or current on the dock or from astern, rig an aft er bow spring line.

When the wind and current are setting away from the pier (1), the aft er bow spring line
goes ashore fi rst (2).