A skill set I always admire belongs to the skipper who can sail his boat into or out of an anchorage, mooring buoy, dock or slip without using the engine. It always seems so graceful when properly done. (And then there are always the fire drills, too!) Do you attempt this kind of close quarters sailing? Do you do it to pick up or sail off a mooring buoy when conditions are right? How about to drop the hook? Perhaps most demanding of all is onto an immovable dock or better yet into a slip. How big is your boat? How did you learn to do this? Any interesting experiences or techniques to share? And just how smug do you feel when you get it just right? Share your close quarter sailing experiences then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. - Quiz by Gary Wyngarden
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David Guthridge
Berthed under sail
My brother in law had never been sailing before so I invited him to join me on my Pearson 26 two summers ago. We motored out in the morning and spent the day sailing the Patuxent River, Cuckhold Creek, and a short trip into the Bay. In the late afternoon we decided to return to my dock up Mill Creek. We droped the sails and I started the motor. It ran for about one minite and stalled. I remembered I had not opened the fuel tank air valve. Well, I opened it, primed the fuel line and tried to start it. I had flooded the engine and it wouldn't start. That's when I told him we were going to have to go home under sail. He asked if I had ever done this and I said no. Well, with the wind out of the NW about 5 kts., it was coming straight down Mill Creek. That ment tacking all the way up the creek around at least a dozen anchored yachts and their anchor lines. It was very tedious and I had to plan every move way in advance. Some tacks only a moment or so. I came up past the pier, came about, droped the jib, entered the calm of the trees behind me, and entered the slip perfectly, and lowered the main. She came to a stop right in the middle of the slip! I tied her up and my brother in law was quite impressed. I was damn proud!. I tried to start the engine. Started on the first pull! I haven't done that again but I know if I have to I can.
My brother in law had never been sailing before so I invited him to join me on my Pearson 26 two summers ago. We motored out in the morning and spent the day sailing the Patuxent River, Cuckhold Creek, and a short trip into the Bay. In the late afternoon we decided to return to my dock up Mill Creek. We droped the sails and I started the motor. It ran for about one minite and stalled. I remembered I had not opened the fuel tank air valve. Well, I opened it, primed the fuel line and tried to start it. I had flooded the engine and it wouldn't start. That's when I told him we were going to have to go home under sail. He asked if I had ever done this and I said no. Well, with the wind out of the NW about 5 kts., it was coming straight down Mill Creek. That ment tacking all the way up the creek around at least a dozen anchored yachts and their anchor lines. It was very tedious and I had to plan every move way in advance. Some tacks only a moment or so. I came up past the pier, came about, droped the jib, entered the calm of the trees behind me, and entered the slip perfectly, and lowered the main. She came to a stop right in the middle of the slip! I tied her up and my brother in law was quite impressed. I was damn proud!. I tried to start the engine. Started on the first pull! I haven't done that again but I know if I have to I can.
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Bob Camarena
Practiced w/anchor
I've anchored my Catalina 30 and departed from anchor under sail. In SF bay, there's a cove west of the fisherman's wharf area called Aquatic Park where motors are prohibited (there are swimmers in the water). It's a beautiful place to anchor and under sail is the only way to do it. I've also tied a fender to my anchor line and gone for a sail, returning under sail to my bouyed anchor. I haven't tried docking in our harbor , but there are several classic, Columbia 5.5 meter racers in our harbor that sail in and out all the time and they're over 30' long. In a pinch I pretty sure I could sail in and dock at one of our side-tie guest docks, but I'd think twice about a slip, since I wouldn't want to mess up and hit another boat.
I've anchored my Catalina 30 and departed from anchor under sail. In SF bay, there's a cove west of the fisherman's wharf area called Aquatic Park where motors are prohibited (there are swimmers in the water). It's a beautiful place to anchor and under sail is the only way to do it. I've also tied a fender to my anchor line and gone for a sail, returning under sail to my bouyed anchor. I haven't tried docking in our harbor , but there are several classic, Columbia 5.5 meter racers in our harbor that sail in and out all the time and they're over 30' long. In a pinch I pretty sure I could sail in and dock at one of our side-tie guest docks, but I'd think twice about a slip, since I wouldn't want to mess up and hit another boat.
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Richard Marble
Not that hard off a mooring
My wife and I often sail off our mooring. She goes forward unhooks but holds the line. I put up the main but keep it slack. All boats tend to bob to the starboard and port of a mooring so the the wind can be used to exit on eather side. When the boat is on the side we want to exit from I give the order to cast off. The bow will continue to swing to whatever side it was going toward. I tighten the main sail sheet and we're off on a broad reach. When coming into our mooring again on a broad reach just let slacken the main sail sheet until your going at a slow pace. The closer I get to the moring the more I slacken the sheet. My wife is in the front with boat hook ready. When its time I let the main sheet out all the way and at the same time head up wind toward the mooring ball. You eather ace it and stop at the mooring, or have a fast wife thats good with a boat hook, or you gather some wind and try it again. No big deal if, we learn from our mistakes.
My wife and I often sail off our mooring. She goes forward unhooks but holds the line. I put up the main but keep it slack. All boats tend to bob to the starboard and port of a mooring so the the wind can be used to exit on eather side. When the boat is on the side we want to exit from I give the order to cast off. The bow will continue to swing to whatever side it was going toward. I tighten the main sail sheet and we're off on a broad reach. When coming into our mooring again on a broad reach just let slacken the main sail sheet until your going at a slow pace. The closer I get to the moring the more I slacken the sheet. My wife is in the front with boat hook ready. When its time I let the main sheet out all the way and at the same time head up wind toward the mooring ball. You eather ace it and stop at the mooring, or have a fast wife thats good with a boat hook, or you gather some wind and try it again. No big deal if, we learn from our mistakes.
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Ken Palmer
If the wind is right...
We pull Liberty, a Hunter H33, into her slip under sail. We lower the main in the river, then start rolling in the genoa on the furling. We come in slow and easy, and finish rolling the genoa 20 yards or so from the slip. Then it is a left turn, grab the dock line hanging from the pole at the end of the slip extension, loop it around the aft cleat, step onto the dock, walk forward with a painter in hand guiding the bow to the dock. We do this for practice a few times a year, and only if the wind is from the west or north-west. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
We pull Liberty, a Hunter H33, into her slip under sail. We lower the main in the river, then start rolling in the genoa on the furling. We come in slow and easy, and finish rolling the genoa 20 yards or so from the slip. Then it is a left turn, grab the dock line hanging from the pole at the end of the slip extension, loop it around the aft cleat, step onto the dock, walk forward with a painter in hand guiding the bow to the dock. We do this for practice a few times a year, and only if the wind is from the west or north-west. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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Ben
need practice
When I started sailing a few years ago, the only boat I had access to was an FJ, and of course there was no motor. I got pretty good at coming up to the dock gently and tying up. (after a few times of slamming into the dock or just missing it entirely, getting into irons and drifting to shore). Now that I own a capri with a motor, I've been lazy about docking under sail, and also very nervous about doing damage if I mess it up. Hopefully, if the rain here ever stops and I can practice more, I'll begin giving the motor a rest more often. Sometimes I practice by coming in under sail, but I have the motor on and idling, so that if I get myself into trouble I can use it to get out.
When I started sailing a few years ago, the only boat I had access to was an FJ, and of course there was no motor. I got pretty good at coming up to the dock gently and tying up. (after a few times of slamming into the dock or just missing it entirely, getting into irons and drifting to shore). Now that I own a capri with a motor, I've been lazy about docking under sail, and also very nervous about doing damage if I mess it up. Hopefully, if the rain here ever stops and I can practice more, I'll begin giving the motor a rest more often. Sometimes I practice by coming in under sail, but I have the motor on and idling, so that if I get myself into trouble I can use it to get out.
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Julio
Sail into my slip 80% of the time.
Like a previous poster, I was forced to do this many years ago by an engine failure, and found out how easy it can be. Now several boats and different harbors later, I still *prefer* sailing into my slip. It just requires fore-thought and a little planning. Think of wind direction and sail set at each small leg or tack. Consider the effect of currents and what you will do if you encounter traffic. Try it with an experienced crew member on a quiet morning or weekday when you won't have much traffic to contend with or onlookers to make you self-concious. Keep the engine running in neutral in case you need it. If things start to get out of hand, release the sheets and put the motor in gear. Then analyze what went wrong and go try again! Once you learn how to do it, practice it a few times to build your confidence. It's a very good feeling to know you can get in / out without an engine if neccesary. Not only that, it's fun! Julio Seafarer 30
Like a previous poster, I was forced to do this many years ago by an engine failure, and found out how easy it can be. Now several boats and different harbors later, I still *prefer* sailing into my slip. It just requires fore-thought and a little planning. Think of wind direction and sail set at each small leg or tack. Consider the effect of currents and what you will do if you encounter traffic. Try it with an experienced crew member on a quiet morning or weekday when you won't have much traffic to contend with or onlookers to make you self-concious. Keep the engine running in neutral in case you need it. If things start to get out of hand, release the sheets and put the motor in gear. Then analyze what went wrong and go try again! Once you learn how to do it, practice it a few times to build your confidence. It's a very good feeling to know you can get in / out without an engine if neccesary. Not only that, it's fun! Julio Seafarer 30
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Rhiannon
Ultimate Smugness
We learned this trick from Andreas Josenhaus, from North Sails while racing our second boat, Lickety-Split a J-27. Not only would we always sail to the dock or slip, but even back in if conditions were right. When the wind was onshore we would reach along the dock under main only. When we reached the slip we, stick the boat head to wind and backwind the main. As we statred backing we would luff the main and glide backwards into the slip.
We learned this trick from Andreas Josenhaus, from North Sails while racing our second boat, Lickety-Split a J-27. Not only would we always sail to the dock or slip, but even back in if conditions were right. When the wind was onshore we would reach along the dock under main only. When we reached the slip we, stick the boat head to wind and backwind the main. As we statred backing we would luff the main and glide backwards into the slip.
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Nick
It's Get In, or Don't Get In . . .
At the end of a good day I love ghosting into my slip under sail in the early evening. I'm in what's generally a downwind slip, but I'm only three slips in from the end of the dock. I drop the main coming downwind and just use my hanked on jib. I have to make two sharp 90 degree turns to get into my slip and this bleeds off any excess speed. Holding the tiller in one hand and the jib halyard in the other it's just a matter of feeling when to spill the wind from the jib by letting the jib halyard go, or hauling in to get more power. Sometimes I have to jump off and run to catch the bow, but most of the time I don't. The neat part, the exciting part, is when you commit to the first turn entering the docks. There's no going back, it's get in, or don't get in . . . The beer is always a little better after that. Nick "Julia Bell" C-27, #86
At the end of a good day I love ghosting into my slip under sail in the early evening. I'm in what's generally a downwind slip, but I'm only three slips in from the end of the dock. I drop the main coming downwind and just use my hanked on jib. I have to make two sharp 90 degree turns to get into my slip and this bleeds off any excess speed. Holding the tiller in one hand and the jib halyard in the other it's just a matter of feeling when to spill the wind from the jib by letting the jib halyard go, or hauling in to get more power. Sometimes I have to jump off and run to catch the bow, but most of the time I don't. The neat part, the exciting part, is when you commit to the first turn entering the docks. There's no going back, it's get in, or don't get in . . . The beer is always a little better after that. Nick "Julia Bell" C-27, #86
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Kristina Kalapos
Pretty Smug
While I appreciate the question relating to the skipper who can sail "his" boat into their slip, I am a female skipper/boat owner of a Beneteau 331 (34ft) and have sailed my boat to the slip - through some pretty tight quarters. Because we have such a short season here there are only rare times when their isn't too much traffic to contend with so I have managed to find the right time, right traffic and right wind just a few times a season. Most recently was with a few dock neighbors aboard (the extra experienced help makes a big difference), and it was quite a thrill for everyone. We got lots of attention and many surprised looks... but pulled it off flawlessly. That's a must with so many people looking on - I was definitely at my smuggest!
While I appreciate the question relating to the skipper who can sail "his" boat into their slip, I am a female skipper/boat owner of a Beneteau 331 (34ft) and have sailed my boat to the slip - through some pretty tight quarters. Because we have such a short season here there are only rare times when their isn't too much traffic to contend with so I have managed to find the right time, right traffic and right wind just a few times a season. Most recently was with a few dock neighbors aboard (the extra experienced help makes a big difference), and it was quite a thrill for everyone. We got lots of attention and many surprised looks... but pulled it off flawlessly. That's a must with so many people looking on - I was definitely at my smuggest!
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Jerry Keto
Practice is absolutely necessary
When conditions are favorable I have sailed into and out of every possible combination. The practice is essential for that time when your engine WILL fail. I have had fellow sailors curse at me for sailing through a mooring area saying it's dangerous. What's dangerous is not having the experience to do so!!!
When conditions are favorable I have sailed into and out of every possible combination. The practice is essential for that time when your engine WILL fail. I have had fellow sailors curse at me for sailing through a mooring area saying it's dangerous. What's dangerous is not having the experience to do so!!!
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Ramsay Selden
If Conditions Are Right
I'll sail onto or off an anchorage, if conditions are right. I rarely use a mooring, but would be willing to sail on or off if things are right for that. My old slip I would sail into if the wind ever was right, but it never was, and I always had to resort to the engine before then. I'm in a new slip this year, and it might be more feasible than the old one. I agree these are good skill to have and practice!
I'll sail onto or off an anchorage, if conditions are right. I rarely use a mooring, but would be willing to sail on or off if things are right for that. My old slip I would sail into if the wind ever was right, but it never was, and I always had to resort to the engine before then. I'm in a new slip this year, and it might be more feasible than the old one. I agree these are good skill to have and practice!
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Bob Davidson
mooring the old fashion way
I learned to sail when I was 7 years old. I have been sailing ever since and now at the age of 58 it's a breeze. The key is to sneak up on your mooring , slip or dock and be at the ready. Always moor, dock pull into the slip in your head before you actually do it. Know which dock, piling, or floating object you will attach your boat to. Turn the television set in your minds eye on and see the exact spot. If you will do this consistantly it will become second nature and alot of fun. Know your limits such as high wind, gusts, rough water or hidden objects.
I learned to sail when I was 7 years old. I have been sailing ever since and now at the age of 58 it's a breeze. The key is to sneak up on your mooring , slip or dock and be at the ready. Always moor, dock pull into the slip in your head before you actually do it. Know which dock, piling, or floating object you will attach your boat to. Turn the television set in your minds eye on and see the exact spot. If you will do this consistantly it will become second nature and alot of fun. Know your limits such as high wind, gusts, rough water or hidden objects.
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Russell
Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes, not.
January, a friend of mine invited me out on a his Lancer 23. Even though the boat had an outboard, he pushed it out of the slip, we tacked out of the marina, and were off. It was a short sail, and I had the stick coming back. We had never sailed together. As we got closer and closer to the dock, he asked me, just a hint of nervousness in his voice, "Can you sail her in?" I said, "sure." And it went smooth as butter. But I've also blown a boat up against the pilings, trying to dock downwind in a stiff breeze. That time, I was motoring in. Maybe I should have come in under sail? Keep the first rule in mind: never panic. It's really wasted on these circumstances. Generally, you're going so slow that even if things go badly, it's just a bit of embarrassment, but no real harm done. Don't let crew do anything drastic around pilings and docks to 'save the boat.' Gelcoat can be scrubbed. A broken finger or ankle is more serious.
January, a friend of mine invited me out on a his Lancer 23. Even though the boat had an outboard, he pushed it out of the slip, we tacked out of the marina, and were off. It was a short sail, and I had the stick coming back. We had never sailed together. As we got closer and closer to the dock, he asked me, just a hint of nervousness in his voice, "Can you sail her in?" I said, "sure." And it went smooth as butter. But I've also blown a boat up against the pilings, trying to dock downwind in a stiff breeze. That time, I was motoring in. Maybe I should have come in under sail? Keep the first rule in mind: never panic. It's really wasted on these circumstances. Generally, you're going so slow that even if things go badly, it's just a bit of embarrassment, but no real harm done. Don't let crew do anything drastic around pilings and docks to 'save the boat.' Gelcoat can be scrubbed. A broken finger or ankle is more serious.
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Mike Finn
Downwind slip
My Ranger 23 is on a downwind slip on the side of the harbor that gets it fair share of wind coming aft. I began attempting to sail in knowing my outboard would eventually fail me. And sure enough is did. Now we try to sail in each time we return to port. On a recent attempt I was double handing with my girlfriend, aligned nicely with just enough headway when large puff came down on us and we both had to jump to the dock to try and catch the bow. Normally one person can stop the boat. It was just a small hole we punched in the dockbox. But my next attempt was perfect. With the motor needing repairs and the urge to sail overpowering us we also attempted to sail out of the slip. Pushing the boat out, giving it a spin and jumping on takes quite a bit of co-ordination between skipper and crew but we only had to fend off a few boats before we had the jib trimmed and driving us. From these experiences I concede to never be cocky as no two breezes will ever be alike and each trip is an adventure.
My Ranger 23 is on a downwind slip on the side of the harbor that gets it fair share of wind coming aft. I began attempting to sail in knowing my outboard would eventually fail me. And sure enough is did. Now we try to sail in each time we return to port. On a recent attempt I was double handing with my girlfriend, aligned nicely with just enough headway when large puff came down on us and we both had to jump to the dock to try and catch the bow. Normally one person can stop the boat. It was just a small hole we punched in the dockbox. But my next attempt was perfect. With the motor needing repairs and the urge to sail overpowering us we also attempted to sail out of the slip. Pushing the boat out, giving it a spin and jumping on takes quite a bit of co-ordination between skipper and crew but we only had to fend off a few boats before we had the jib trimmed and driving us. From these experiences I concede to never be cocky as no two breezes will ever be alike and each trip is an adventure.
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captnbilly (s/v Sweet Emocean - Mac 25)
Sailing in/out Not Possible At My Marina
My slip is the second from the fuel dock and at an angle so I have to motor out. Also the marina is in a basin with about a 20' wide entrance channel. As soon as you enter the channel you have no wind at all - same in the basin. So it's motor out and motor in.
My slip is the second from the fuel dock and at an angle so I have to motor out. Also the marina is in a basin with about a 20' wide entrance channel. As soon as you enter the channel you have no wind at all - same in the basin. So it's motor out and motor in.
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MIke
Lucky
Once I was sailing over to a nearby marina to join in a regatta. As I approached the dock I realized I was going to fast and came about and the boat stalled and then was blown backwards gently into the slip and I tied up without having time to break a sweat. The onlooking crowd already assembled at the Marina broke out in applause and several members approached asking me to show them how to back into a slip with such skill....I enjoyed the praise and never let on.
Once I was sailing over to a nearby marina to join in a regatta. As I approached the dock I realized I was going to fast and came about and the boat stalled and then was blown backwards gently into the slip and I tied up without having time to break a sweat. The onlooking crowd already assembled at the Marina broke out in applause and several members approached asking me to show them how to back into a slip with such skill....I enjoyed the praise and never let on.
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Bill O'Donovan
Depends
Anyone can sail a J-24 off the dock or back, but bigger boats require manuevering room and some semblance of the correct wind. We've all done it under pressure, but as a rule it would be foolhardy and boastful.
Anyone can sail a J-24 off the dock or back, but bigger boats require manuevering room and some semblance of the correct wind. We've all done it under pressure, but as a rule it would be foolhardy and boastful.
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pam morris
Show Boat!
The engine works but don't turn it on - even in neutral. Its just plain fun to sail boats into the slip. Learning and racing on small engineless keel boats definately sets the stage for sailing larger sailboats into the slip. Last Thursday night, I was sailing on a 37', 8 ton boat in basically light air out of Deale, MD. As we all know, light air is more challenging than heavy air. So, to keep it interesting, I suggested that we sail into the slip. The key is knowing how much weigh the boat has while keeping enough momentum to get into the slip after the sails are dropped - (lots of crew helps) but we were 2 1/2 women. Negoatiating the channel was easy as the wind was from the stern. There were only a few powerboats so the traffic was light as well. Conditions were perfect. As we slowly turned into the slip, the neighboring boat crew was ready with lines (he assumed that we had engine problems). When i calmly said " we are just practicing" he just couldn't believe it. "No one sails into the slip"! It was his reaction that pumped me up - SHOW BOATING.
The engine works but don't turn it on - even in neutral. Its just plain fun to sail boats into the slip. Learning and racing on small engineless keel boats definately sets the stage for sailing larger sailboats into the slip. Last Thursday night, I was sailing on a 37', 8 ton boat in basically light air out of Deale, MD. As we all know, light air is more challenging than heavy air. So, to keep it interesting, I suggested that we sail into the slip. The key is knowing how much weigh the boat has while keeping enough momentum to get into the slip after the sails are dropped - (lots of crew helps) but we were 2 1/2 women. Negoatiating the channel was easy as the wind was from the stern. There were only a few powerboats so the traffic was light as well. Conditions were perfect. As we slowly turned into the slip, the neighboring boat crew was ready with lines (he assumed that we had engine problems). When i calmly said " we are just practicing" he just couldn't believe it. "No one sails into the slip"! It was his reaction that pumped me up - SHOW BOATING.
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Dick of Sylvan
Practice
My C22 is berthed in a small cove, which often has no wind or wind counter to that outside, and close quarters to other docked boats. I like to practice without using the outboard, but I usually have a paddle ready to help if there is no wind (yes you can paddle a C22, but not as easily as a 17 ft canoe). Especially returning to the slip I often have the outboard running in neutral, just in case. Hardest is if I have to run in with a strong wind, it can be done on a small jib ready to drop about the time of the last 90 degree turn into the slip. For those of you doing this kind of thing with large boats, I sure hope you carry lots of insurance! Dick
My C22 is berthed in a small cove, which often has no wind or wind counter to that outside, and close quarters to other docked boats. I like to practice without using the outboard, but I usually have a paddle ready to help if there is no wind (yes you can paddle a C22, but not as easily as a 17 ft canoe). Especially returning to the slip I often have the outboard running in neutral, just in case. Hardest is if I have to run in with a strong wind, it can be done on a small jib ready to drop about the time of the last 90 degree turn into the slip. For those of you doing this kind of thing with large boats, I sure hope you carry lots of insurance! Dick
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