Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Can you "paint" a clearer picture here?

I am envisioning that you are coming alongside a dock, and then heave a line or walk a line from somewhere aft of midship, then put the helm over as if you are leaving the dock, and increase the engine power to then push you back (hold you) into the dock. This is not something I do well, and have often admired water taxis and the like doing something like this, but never seem to recall how they do it.

I tend to come in slow and try to use momentum to make that last "touchdown" to the dock... problem is that if I underestimate a cross wind, or current, or get hit with a sudden gust, I have to go around again. Sometimes you just want to come in a bit hotter and control the boat more positively.

I am all ears here... com'on sailing community, lend your advise.

Thanks

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