Topics > Docking/Tying Up > Online Book: Coming Alongside (Docking) Made Easy

Online Book: Coming Alongside (Docking) Made Easy

Over my years on the water I have seen more unhappy and stressful events while watching boaters bring their craft alongside than any other task—yes, even more than anchoring, and that’s saying something.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. These proven techniques, along with a couple of days practice, will make you a confident close quarters boat handler.

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s an unsolicited testimonial from member Ralph Rogers:

This past week I pulled into a city marina with 2 finger slips with two large motor yachts on one side, so no space for me, and one large motor yacht on the other side and an open space, about a boat and a half long. Using the techniques I learned here I pulled right in, stepped off with center springer in hand, and tied up like a pro. Even got claps and cheers.

Leaving was a bit trickier, strong current on the bow, twenty knot wind on the stern. It took a couple of tries, as not much room forward, and wind and current turning me to whichever side presented itself, but again using what I learned here, backed out like I knew what I was doing. Maybe I did know. Again everyone watching and clapped when I was out. Thanks.

Coming Alongside (Docking)—Backing In, Part 1

Published Jan 19, 2018 45 comments

The general wisdom, repeated over and over again on wharves, in sailors’ bars, and on the forums, is that it’s difficult to back a boat into a tight space, and impossible if said boat has a long keel. But that’s just dead wrong. John shares backing techniques that will work, and even make the process easy, with most any boat.

Member

Read More
≡ Menu
© 2002 – 2021 Attainable Adventure Cruising Ltd and the authors, all rights are reserved.

Nothing on this website or in direct communications received from us, or in our articles in the media, should be construed to mean or imply that offshore voyaging is anything other than potentially hazardous. Dangers such as, but not limited to, extreme weather, cold, ice, lack of help or assistance, gear failure, grounding, and falling overboard could injure or kill you and wreck your boat.

Decisions such as, but not limited to, heading offshore, where you go, and how you equip your boat, are yours and yours alone. The information on this web site is based on what has worked for the authors in the past, but that does not mean it will work for you, or that it is the best, or even a good way for you to do things.

This is a guest