Moderator Brian D contacted me regarding this topic which is displayed on another forum. As a kid growing up & sailing on Narragansett Bay, RI, we sailed away from the dock all the time but that was a long time ago. Ever since I again got involved with sailing many years ago, I've never sailed away from a dock w/o a motor so I had to think about it.
There are a number of things that go into the equation -- direction of the wind, strength of the wind, current, shape of the dock and how manageable the boat is. Depending on the wind conditions, the mainsail may or may not be the best choice. If the boat is pointed head to wind the mainsail would be OK. Same with the combination of main & Jib. If the boat is pointed head to wind just push off the bow and away you go.
I think even if the boat is head to wind, the jib is a better choice because if you need to depower at any wind angle you can just cut the jib sheet loose. the jib can also be used to steer the boat. If the boat is pointed down wind, the main isn't much help and again the jib is a better choice.
OK, suppose the wind is blowing across the boat toward the dock - how would you proceed? Suppose the current is flowing from bow to stern - that's too easy but how would you proceed?
The answer to any of these question is NOT to start the engine. My friend, Joe from San Diego, already covered that a couple of time in the original topic. Sometimes sailors depend too much on their engine. There are all kinds of situation where your engine is disabled and all you've got is your sails. Sails are not a back up to the engine. sails are the main propulsion -- that's why the vessel is called a sailboat.
There are a number of things that go into the equation -- direction of the wind, strength of the wind, current, shape of the dock and how manageable the boat is. Depending on the wind conditions, the mainsail may or may not be the best choice. If the boat is pointed head to wind the mainsail would be OK. Same with the combination of main & Jib. If the boat is pointed head to wind just push off the bow and away you go.
I think even if the boat is head to wind, the jib is a better choice because if you need to depower at any wind angle you can just cut the jib sheet loose. the jib can also be used to steer the boat. If the boat is pointed down wind, the main isn't much help and again the jib is a better choice.
OK, suppose the wind is blowing across the boat toward the dock - how would you proceed? Suppose the current is flowing from bow to stern - that's too easy but how would you proceed?
The answer to any of these question is NOT to start the engine. My friend, Joe from San Diego, already covered that a couple of time in the original topic. Sometimes sailors depend too much on their engine. There are all kinds of situation where your engine is disabled and all you've got is your sails. Sails are not a back up to the engine. sails are the main propulsion -- that's why the vessel is called a sailboat.