Yourbestsailvideo

"Heading Up"

8 April 2025 · 9 min · 3K views

What this video covers

To depart a dock when wind pins the boat against the pier, use a bow spring line as the final mooring point to pivot the stern away.4:21 Position a crew member at the bow with a fender to protect the hull at the point of contact.4:32 With the engine in forward gear, initially turn the rudder away from the dock to maintain control and prevent a violent, sudden swing.5:01 As the bow spring tensions, gradually shift the rudder toward the dock; the propeller wash against the rudder blade forces the stern outward.5:54 Once the stern clears the dock sufficiently, shift the engine to neutral, center the rudder, release the bow spring, and engage reverse gear to back away.6:42 This technique allows for a controlled exit even in high-wind conditions. A crew member must remain at the bow throughout the maneuver to manage the fender and prevent damage during the pivot.

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