Docking strategies: How to build your docking skills

Reed Point Marina slips © Bluewater Cruising Association

Do you find some docking conditions challenging? Whether you are a single-handed sailor, an inexperienced crew or a confident helmsman, or a powerboater, you will grow new skills and turn your boat handling and communication from stress to success.

Instructor Rick Ellis, who also delivers BCA's very popular Psychology of Voyaging workshops, lends his years of boating experience and professional facilitation expertise to help you develop your docking skills. Rick's unique approach to this topic, which combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and personal consultation, generated rave reviews from participants when he first "launched" the course in 2015.

Topics include:

• Setting up docking procedures and roles that lead to consistent and effective teamwork and success
• Communication systems that work
• Effective use of engine power and why confidence is so important to docking.
• Docking with just one line – the breast line – how to set it up and use it.
• Fenders – getting the right size and position to assist procedures
• Maneuvering and backing down in tight spaces – effective combination of rudder and power
• Safety while docking

Part 1: Saturday April 7, 9:00am – 1:00pm

The first classroom session will review the principles of docking and provide best practices, tips and techniques to get your boat on and off the dock efficiently and safely. Participants will then complete a worksheet that translates the general information to specific application on their boat, and develop a practice plan for their boat.

Part 2: April 8 – Apr 27

Practice on your boat – three weeks to apply the worksheet and practice plan from the classroom and hone procedures that work for your boat. Rick will be available for consultation during this time.

Part 3: Saturday Apr 28, 9:00am – 1:00pm

The second classroom session will review your practice and what you learned about your boat and yourself, what worked and what didn't, and include a discussion of how to solve outstanding problems.

For More Information and to Register – Click Here.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of Bluewater Cruising Association.