This is the first slip we have had with a North/South orientation. Prior have always been East/West. Prevailing winds are out of the West.....except this summer and last when the have been out of the East or North. With the new boat we have 3" of clearance on either side when passing between the 4-point tie and the finger pier. First two dockings were in 20 mph from the West, 20mph from the East so pretty ugly. I have resigned myself that no matter what, I'm going to hit something coming into the slip. My "plan" is to come in and rest the rubrail on the 4-point tie, then use that as a lever to center on the slip using rudder and throttle. 3 inches clearance is a little snug, but I also have a landing line that I drop over the mid cleat that brings us nicely against the finger pier under idle, in gear.