5 Important Tips to Successfully Dock a Sailboat

Here are some of the easy steps to follow whenand the dock is not advisable. The boat will move
docking a sailboat to prevent damaging accidents andeasily because it is on water. Putting any part of your
collision: approach the dock at a shallow angle, tie thebody will only cause accidents and injuries to you.
fenders on the lifelines, never put any part of yourStep on the dock
body between the boat and the dock, step on theStepping onto the dock is advised over leaping on it.
dock, and toss the dock lines to a helper.When you leap, there will be a tendency for you to
Properly docking a sailboat is very important for anyexert force that will cause the boat to move. Simply
sailor. This is to avoid damages and accidents duringstepping applies minimal force compared to leaping.
the docking position. Although sailboat docking may beStepping is also safer and provides a more stable
easy, it is still important to know the common, yetbalance. For you to be able to step well, it is important
helpful, tips to properly dock a sailboat in an appropriateto step when the sailboat is really close to the dock so
position.you can step onto it steadily.
Approach the dock at a shallow angleToss the dock lines to a helper
The first step to sailboat docking is to approach theTossing the deck lines to a helper is a great help. Do
dock at a shallow angle while fully in control of thenot forget to tie the rope onto the cleat yourself
boat. The boat must be at a minimal level uponbefore tossing it. Often times a helper does not tie the
approaching the dock to avoid the sailboat fromrope as tightly as you want it to be. So make sure you
bumping the dock. In cases that the sailboat's dockingtie it yourself for security.
speed is fast, never rely on the reverse gear.You must also remember to always watch out for the
Tie the fenders onto the lifelineslevel of the tide. Always provide enough rope
Double check that you tie the fenders onto the lifelines.allowance and docking distance. This is to ensure that
Also, secure the bow dock line forward onto theyour boat will remain on the appropriate position even
anchor cleat. Before getting too close to the dock,during the changes of tide levels. Always pay attention
attach the stern line at an aft cleat. This serves asto every little detail when practicing your docking skills
your support.and upon leaving the dock. Mastering these docking
Never put any part of your body between the boatskills will prevent you from having embarrassing
and the dockcrashes.
Putting any part of your body in the middle of the boat