Ep 18 Solo Sailing: How I Dock My 40' Sailboat 4 Examples and a Blooper
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Four examples (and a blooper) under various conditions of how I dock my 40' Bavaria sailboat while solo. These occur in relatively light winds, but I use the same techniques (frequently) in 15-20 kts at my home port of La Rochelle, France (Les Minimes). Notice that in none of these examples do I use the bow-thruster. In reality, I use it more when departing (to help swing the bow at low speed in tight quarters) than on arrival.
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You are a very brave man to travel out at sea alone. You obviously have learned a tremendous amount of skills and insight in the world of.sailing to have the confidence to be out alone at sea. I love your videos because you take your viewers through all your decision making; triumphs,; some defeats and the beauty surrounding you during your passages. Even when your tired and been up all night you have the strength to sit in front of your camera and give the viewer an update of your situation. Thank you for your dedication to making your videos!⚓️⛵️🐬
Oh no Donna. It's not about courage or bravery. Just about anyone can do this. Really. I'm embarrassed if I made it look too hard or dangerous. The objective is to show that this can be done, solo, without taking abnormal risks (and by someone who is far from being an expert). I'm glad you enjoyed watching. Cheers.
Biggest lesson. Never be overpowered.
Reef early, reef often. :-)
@@patricklaine6958 I saw another sailing channel recently that said "If you've even thought about reefing then do it"
I'm a novice sailor, and have just purchased a 13m sloop. I confess that I was a little terrified about solo docking in a busy marina, so I studied your video thoroughly and purchased a bow fender. To my huge relief, by using your elegant technique, my first ever docking was effortless, I wanted to hug you! My terrified wife, who utilised your docking stick method as well, was very, very impressed by her excellent 'captain'! Thanks Patrick for your outstanding videos.
Wonderful Ian. You've made my day. Here's wishing for some great sailing adventures for you and you wife. :-)
I'm amazed at how calm you are through such stressful manoeuvres. My boat is only 29 feet, and I certainly could not make coherent conversation while trying to dock her alone! The video is definitely helpful, thank you for posting.
Thanks Justin. Many people new to sailing don't realize how difficult/stressful docking a boat can be. And what is 'challenging' for a multi-person crew, becomes 'highly stressful' for a solo sailor. Believe me, I may look calm, but I am stressed, and I have botched many approaches due to a sudden gust of wind, or misjudging the turn radius into the slip. A beer in the port afterwards helps to forget the arrival!
I have always found that marinas and docking is the place most likely for damage or injury to occur. Docking is definitely the most nerve wracking part of a trip.
Absolutely perfect narration, you provide an extremely clear assessment of your situation and concerns as conditions change throughout your voyage. Immensely enjoyable.
Very kind of you Diane. Delighted you got something out of my modest adventure. Best regards
Probably the most informative sailing channnel i've found so far.
It's funny how there are already so many sailing channels but you have posted one of the most useful videos on the web.
Very kind of you ck. I tried to find a volunteer in a bikini, but had no luck. :-)
Your advice is basic and will be much help to beginners who will never go offshore. But you will give them the courage to begin at all Well done.
I am delighted by your comment ck. It is e actly this that i wanted to achieve. Cheers.
Yes. Sailing for 30 years and I learned something as well! Will try this next time out. I back in, so some of this doesn't always translate properly.
Many thanks ISWK. I often back in as well --- so should have filmed that as well. I prefer that method actually, unless a hard X-wind is blowing (the bow can get away from you quickly if you delay at all or go too slow). I drive in bow first at my home base for reasons of privacy. Thanks for watching.
You're the man Patrick. I love your encouraging attitude!
Patrick I am loving this series. I like the fact that you are honest about mistakes and lessons learned.
I once had to dock a 41 Westerly Ocean Lord for fuel in a force 10 (we were returning a bareboat charter) on Kerrera Oban Scotland. Wind was offshore. I had a crew. It took six attempts because the wind kept blowing us off and I was being too cautious but we got there no harm, no damage. So a ‘good mooring’ It was only when we were tied up that I realised it had raised a sweat therefore it must have been stressful.
It takes internal strength to 'go around' and try it again, because others will then be watching and critiquing. I have seen far too many who continue on a bad approach and end up bashing into the finger or another boat. Bravo to you.
Humble and smart, we need more of you Patrick!
I love your videos Patrick. I think it is the old world charm with which you present them that's a real draw. Well done indeed. I have done some solo sailing and boat handling with a Bav 41 - similar situation to yours and it can sometimes be very challenging to get the mooring/docking just right. Especially Med-mooring in Greece. It is essential to think through and prepare every line and fender carefully, then plan out exactly how you are going to execute the manoeuvre. You give great demonstrations, with articulate, fluent commentary. Bravo!! Once thank you.
Far too kind Capt. My Bavaria was a very forgiving boat, and took good care of me as I climbed a steep learning curve. I recently sold the Bavaria for a smaller, but much faster boat. I am in the process of converting it into a fast, but uncomfortable cruiser. I'm looking froward to getting underway on this next chapter. You are cleared to descend and maintain 6 feet, slow to 5 kts, squawk VFR and monitor Ch 16. ;-)
@@patricklaine6958 Very good!! Hahaha!
@@patricklaine6958 Roger that Skipper, I am not far behind you... line astern, heading for the horizon ;-)
Thank you very much for your series. Already Subscribed and Alerted! Great videos and I am learning a lot. I am 65 and the cruising bug has bitten. Just need to save up to get a boat and also, importantly, learn to sail. You have motivated me even more than I was!
Many thanks Glen. I am sure you will enjoy the adventure once you get your feet wet.
The fact that you’re not an ‘expert’ is the reason why I’m watching your videos. Excellent video, thank you Sir.
Thanks for the kind feedback Mylo. Fair winds.
I'm not a sailor yet but one day will be!, and I must say your channel is the best on the web re sailing, full respect Sir!
Many thanks John. I'm far from being a qualified instructor --- but hope my practices will fill in some gaps and inspire others to take lessons and get out there. Thanks for commenting.
I just moved up quite a bit is size from a 27' with outboard and tiller to 35'6" with inboard diesel and wheel. I backed in smartly on on my first attempt. I credit watching your videos to give me the confidence and pratical examples. I want to thank you!
You've made my day Chuck. Of course, every boat and every marina will have their own personalities; the trick is to get out there and practice --- to learn those personalities well enough so that one has confidence going into the berth. Thanks for commenting.
Your videos are very well done and you an inspiration to all. Docking is like landing a plane, always be prepared to go around again. See you next season !
It is surprising how similar the final 20 seconds of sailing, and the final 20 seconds of flying are. I recall having great flight off the carrier; perfect rendezvous, excellent formation flying, professional radio calls, on-target practice bombing, and even a 'win' in dogfighting on the way home, only to have the overall memory of the flight tarnished by a mediocre landing. Same thing happens in sailing. Botching the arrival takes the shine off an otherwise excellent day. :-) Thanks for watching Len.
My applause sir!! You were obviously a 007 in a former life. Very calm under pressure and adapt to what is happening. I am new to sailing...so new I don't have a sailboat yet. Retiring and doing some due diligence. You helped me as I stress at the thought of docking. Fishing for forty years and docking has always been the most stressful place especially when it is busy. Well done sir!
Fantastic series Patrick. Very well done on the passages and the filming. You are a natural and your style relaxed with very clear descriptions. Please dont change!
All singlehanders have to develop their own docking and exit techniques. Thanks for sharing yours. Each boat is different and is shorter or longer with differing deck layout etc etc. Also the docks vary hugely from place to place. I would say to any sailor starting as a singlehander, practice, practice, practice not just docking but all evolutions and throwing lines to cleats etc. If you have a mate or crew aboard then ask them to stand by while you try a new move. This can build your confidence and avoid accidents if it goes horribly wrong. Never be afraid to go around and try again, or ask for help from shoreside if its there. Once you have mastered the first and last 50m of a passage the rest is usually straight forward if you are a competant sailor. Before my first singlehanded passage a friend of mine from La Rochelle told me to stop fretting about the boat. If I had done all my prep and had my spares then the weakest link is always the human. The ship is far more capable then the flesh n blood so trust her and your preparations so this will help your confidence.
Massive thank you for NOT fishing and explaining why. I feel the same way about killing endangered species at sea. I have unsubscribed from most sailing channels for this reason. Very refreshing to find another who has a conscience about humans damaging the oceans and their inhabitants.
Looking forward to your next series. More evolutions videos please! Happy moons'ls. Nick
Thanks NIck. You sound very much like my first flight instructor, "Once you have mastered the first and last 50m of a passage the rest is usually straight forward..." :-) I can only but agree with your comments. The only way to get confidence in these things is to get out and practice, and then again, and again. It is sad to see so many sailboats in marinas that never leave port. I think a large part of the explanation is that owners have lost confidence in their abilities to do the port maneuvers. Many thanks fro watching Nick.
Hello from The Netherlands Patrick! Thank you for your excellent videos. I've watched them all in one go! Amongst all the sailing channels out there on RUclips yours have an unique quality about them. Informative, authentic, calm, kind,.. I hope you keep them coming!
That's very kind of you Henk. I made them for my daughters (who are not sailors). One of them persuaded me to put them on line. I'm certainly no expert (and was nervous that real pros would attack every comment/decision i made), but figured there were others out there who might benefit from my errors..... Again, thanks for the comment.
I think one of the most important lessons to be learned is this:
make sure you know what the wind and the current is going to do with your boat. Think about what will happen and what you want to do about it.
Best sailing video I have seen. And finally someone docking solo on a bigger boat without a crew or staff waiting for them. Excellent. subscribed. Going to go through all your videos!
Great Videos. I'm an aspiring solo sailor and your videos give a great feel for what it is really like, very watchable, feels like you're bringing the viewer with you.
Great. Many thanks for the encouragement Chris. You bring up a good point being an 'aspiring solo sailor'. In fact, any sailor who wants to go out with friends and family should build confidence in their abilities to handle all situations from departure to arrival. Even if you are with other people, they often have very little experience and even basic line handling priorities often exceed their knowledge level. (I once went to help a boat arrive and the 'line handler' threw me the stern line first as they headed into the slip. If she had understood (and been well-briefed on) the maneuver, she would have realized that a stern line is next to useless when arriving in a slip. With either the midship line or the bow line, I could have helped control the boat into the slip.) Thus, I am delighted that you want to develop your 'solo' sailor skills, and that my videos may have been of some modest assistance. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Patrick! It kind a inspires me, because I think about a solo trip for a long time ... very sympathetic ! Thanks a lot !
Many thanks for the kind feedback Robert. Much appreciated.
They say if your heart isn't beating faster while docking, your not doing it right
I spent the first 20 years of my life fishing off the west coast of Ireland,mostly in 30 ft clinker half deckers, it was a tough life, it gave me a healthy respect for the ocean,i've never sailed,and I wouldn't know where to start, but your vlogs take me back for sure,i bid you fair weather,you are living your dream,
Many thanks Martin. Full respect to you. That West Coast of Ireland gets real beat-up by continual passage of fronts with gales. I can't imagine having to go out in that every day. Bravo.
Thank you Patrick for this series. I enjoyed it immensely, and have learned a lot. I am not yet a sailor. Just thinking about possibilities for upcoming retirement.
Hi Patrick
thanks for posting this video about how to dock single handed
I thought I recognised the port - La Rochelle
Your video is very clear - and especially the idea about pinning the bow and then using the engine to hold the boat in place on the pontoon
Thanks for posting
Yes Nicholas, you are right. My home base is La Rochelle and I filmed these arrivals there. In the next series where I sail to the Shetland Islands, I film arrivals in many other ports (Episodes 22 to 31). The heart always beats a bit faster when entering a marina that one has never been to before. I'm starting to feel a bit more relaxed about that, but it's certainly not my favorite part of sailing! Thanks for watching.
Thanks Patrick. Your videos are very educational and clearly delivered. Looking forward to more!
Many thanks Mark. As an 'intermediate' level sailor, I made a lot of mistakes ---- but had great fun and learned a lot. Glad you got something out of them.
As a sailor hoping to solo one day, your videos are practical and inspirational. Thank you.
SV Brooklyn PNW.
Good for you Le Caton. Sailing solo is a real confidence builder. Take many small steps (like I did), and then gradually increase the challenge. Fair winds.
Thanks for sharing loved watching your journey
Many thanks for the kind remark Barry. Best to you.
Hello, You have brighten my time over the last hours, I drove trucks all over America and some in Canada in the mid 1990's I was unable to pass a health physical so lost my rights to drive commercially, in 1994 I started studying for a pilots license and had aimed to try what You are a winner at doing, I had some bad health problems come upon me which put the brakes on all my plans ....Thank You and please don't stop with the great videos, GOD bless...Johnny b.
Many thanks Johnny. Sorry to hear about the health problems. I hear you and understand the frustration. I had to give up aviation or the same reason. Here's hoping you find a way to get out on the water. Fair winds to you.
Just like Captain Ron!
Nice job.
:-) Now there's a guy who has mastered the art of no stress docking! Thanks for watching Ojibway.
You are the definition of humility Patrick. A newcomer to sailing and scouring You Tube for tips. Your videos give much confidence, thank you.
Thanks for the great feedback Colin. Much appreciated.
Just excellent, I'm a new solo sailor & looking forward to feeding my passion... :-)
Thank you! The blooper taught just as much as the other samples!
Oh yeah, I learn a lot from my mistakes, so have not edited out any of the arrivals I filmed (over 100 of them). Some are quite 'ugly', but provided a good learning experience. Fair winds.
I love all the technical information in your videos! Your perspective is so needed among a sea of sailing channels full of the fun and no real sailing techniques and information. Thank you for putting the work in to bring these videos to us! Love it!
Thanks Andrew. I couldn't find any bikini volunteers, so was forced to film other boring stuff. :-) Fair winds
Patrick Laine Well let me be the first to volunteer! Haha though you may lose subscribers. Fair winds from San Diego!
Captain Laine - I've just binge watched all of your videos, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I'm a former US Marine about your age, and hope to soon realize my dream of getting a sailboat and soloing off to wherever the wind blows.
Thank you for these informative videos. You are an inspiration.
Semper Fi my friend.
Very, very nice. Your explanations of the maneuvers were very clear. I have never seen a sailor handle a boat that big single handed. And thanks for the blooper.
I have a nice stock of bloopers on file Perf! Many thanks for watching and the kind remark.
Could you set up three arresting cables across your slip? Go for the second wire! :D Greetings from NYC!
In the US Navy, we (almost) always targeted the 3 wire; in the French Navy we always targeted the two wire. On Isabelle, we're just happy to find the berth and crash into it any way I can.
@@patricklaine6958 ''we're just happy to find the berth and crash into it any way I can'' i laughed at that!
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the boat the next day, it's an outstanding landing. @@patricklaine6958
I really like your dignified confidence and your delivery in your videos. It strikes me that many pilots gravitate to sailing at some point in their lives. I started as an International Five O Five racer, then went bush flying. I’m turning 75 on Feb 11. In April, I move to Nova Scotia to my new home and the 1973 C&C 39 I just purchased. The boat will be a steep learning curve, but all the technique you have shared here is of incalculable value to me. Merci Patrick. :D
Congrats on the recent purchase Richard. I was beginning to think that maybe I am getting too old for these long passages ---- and then I saw that the winner of the Golden Globe solo around the world race is 73. I'm good for a few more passages. :-) Bonne navigation my friend.
Excellent! Thank you captain. I often go out alone in my IP38 which is actually a bit over 40’.
Very useful info, presented wonderfully.
Thanks, every boat and every marina will have its own personality ----- I guess the key is to go out and practice in all types of conditions. Fair winds.
A professional makes it look easy. Thank you Patrick. You are a true gent.
Loved the video. Agree with most of the comments here. Your video stands above most because it’s straight to the point. No music no fluff no cinematics.
Thanks for the kind feedback.
Bon travaille Patrick. Thank you for such a helpful series here. It helps to know even the experts don’t get it right every time.
Very kind John. I'm far from an expert, but appreciate the thought. Best regards
Thank you so much for these very well produced videos. As a solo sailor myself I appreciate your skill, wisdom and ability to show us all how it’s all done.
Many thanks Pogdsmor. I just wanted to share my experience (learnings and mistakes). I'm certainly not a professional, so I get a lot of very useful information from the comments. Thank you for watching.
I didn't recognize the name at first, but please know that you are a real inspiration to a huge number of sailors (and art lovers). I greatly enjoyed watching your series. I never miss an update. :-)
Great series of videos most people just film the boat sailing and don't explain what is happening. You give a ton of great info and are not afraid of showing your mistakes. Thanks for the videos hope to see more from you. Happy sailling.
Many thanks Roger. It would be nice if more sailing videos would discuss/explain what they are doing. It's a very good way to learn -- sharing mistakes and seeing techniques others use. Thanks for commenting.
Well done Patrick, a real world method. André in Sydney
I cannot express, how very useful, helpful, and enjoyable all your videos are. Thank you!!
Thanks for the kind feedback. Much appreciated.
As a fellow solo sailor this is all very useful to see how others do it. We learn all the time. I moor on a buoy so similar challenges but not so many other boats to hit if I get it wrong. Andy Sussex, UK
Thanks Andie. I love learning how others do it as well. My technique for picking up a mooring buoy is to stop the boat (pointed into the wind or current and on the lee side of the buoy) when the buoy is abeam. I then quickly run to midships and pick up a gaff that has a detachable pelican hook and line attached, and I try to attach the hook to the top of the buoy. The line is attached to a bow cleat, so I just let the boat drift back. When all is calm, I pull in the line attached to the buoy (either by hand, or if strong wind/current, by winch) and attach my permanent mooring line. It is a bit challenging in waves or strong current, as it is easy to misjudge distance to the buoy --- in which case, I just come back around. I have a friend who prefers backing up to the buoy and attaching the mooring line (which is attached to the bow cleat). My stern freeboard is a little too high to do this, but I have watched him do it, and he never misses.
Hi Patrick. I'll add my thanks to the rest. We just bought a Hanse 415 and have a prevailing crosswind in our slip that can often get up to 15 knots. Fortunately, it tends to push us onto the finger but sometimes not... This video has been super helpful for us. I'll be ordering a bow fender very soon! I appreciate your calm and clear description of the maneuvers.
Congrats on the Hanse 415 ---- very nice boat. Every boat and every marina will have its own personality for docking/undocking. These videos might help you in testing various different techniques. You'll eventually become confident in some method that works for you. After that, just smile politely when 'experts' tell you that you are doing it all wrong. :-)
I agree with CK H: the most important point of moving- getting stopped. Well done Sir. Good sailing.
Patrick's videos about sailing are so practical, down to earth and delivered in a genuine and humble way too. Keep em coming buddy.
Very kind of you Alien. Much appreciated.
Very good. I also have done a number of single handed dockings. Tricky but possible. What I witnessed last week in Croatia, however, was a single handed med moor of a 45ft boat in a crowded marina (two stern lines plus picking up two "slime lines" to hold the bow off the dock, squeezed between two other boats). The Captain was a professional skipper with no help from his paid guests. I introduced myself and congratulated him on a amazing feat. He said guests never help and he did that regularly. Amazing!
I am lucky that we do not do Med style mooring here on the Atlantic coast. I struggle enough as it is. :-) Thanks for watching.
@@patricklaine6958 On conventional mooring, my own technique, for single handed docking (any wind/current condition), is to prepare in advance three throwing lines (secured to each of the forward, stern and mid cleats), coiled up and bought next to the (stern or starboard gate), ready for throwing. Once i have positioned the boat alongside the dock, using the engine, i put the engine in neutral, throw all three lines onto (or even past) the dock and then step off onto the dock, securing the mid line first, followed by the other two, with a quick turn. The purpose of the long lines (say 30-50ft.) is to minimize the risk of the line dropping off the dock and into the water and therefore ensure that you can also tie up the forward and stern lines without having to step back onto the boat. Once the boat is secure then i replace the lines with conventional dock lines. Docks with no cleats (i.e. such as in the PNW, where you have to wrap the line around a horizontal wooden beam) require more time to get secure and if you have a wind off the dock situation, one has less time to play with, but this technique has worked successfully for me for years. I hadn't contemplated leaving the engine in gear to hold it against the dock, as you describe, but i can see the advantage when in a finger dock.
Someone els suggested a variation on that to me ---- he just steps off at midships with a line in his hand and quickly takes a turn on a cleat. I've never been brave enough to do that: I often moor in marinas with strong tidal currents, or strong prevailing winds, so it is difficult to completely stop the boat, and even if I did, my boat is 40 feet long and weighs 10 tons. I know from experience that trying to pull it in 12-15 knots is quite challenging……… I love (conceptually) your approach, but can't see myself leaving my boat without at least one line around something solid first, unless in dead calm conditions (in which case, mooring is not a challenge). Thanks for the good food for thought.
@@patricklaine6958 Yes, my own is 34 ft and 6 tons so I have it easier. However, I have never had to pull the boat in - there is enough friction in a single loop around a typically dock cleat to hold the boat and it takes less than twenty seconds to engage neutral, throw the three lines onto the dock and get the mid line wrapped around a cleat. It is a bad (off dock) cross wind or current that requires less time. As i mentioned, i find the bigger challenge is in the PNW where there are no dock cleats and you have to feed the line around a horizontal beam/structure. The timber is roughcut, with lots of splinters to catch the line, making it hard to feed through and if you catch such a splinter (or fumble it), you can potentially lose control. However,, a local commercial fishermen taught me his technique (them being typically shorthanded), where a single loop around the structure on the mid tie, is enough to secure the vessel, buying time to tie up the rest of the boat. Either way, being single or shorthanded is always challenging and there is probably no perfect way - whatever works for the boat, conditions and skipper. A few weeks ago I chartered a boat in Croatia with family and it was such a pleasure having six crew on board (despite having to med moor). Made everyting so simple!
Yeah a crew makes a BIG difference. To see why I won't leave my boat without a solid connection first, watch my Episode 25 at 10:10. Note how fast it drifts away from the pontoon ---- just a matter of a few seconds. Anyway, you have a great method that works for you --- and that is all that matters! Fair winds.
Just binge watched your trip to the Azores and back to Spain, wonderful footage and great sailing skills. Took me back twenty years when I and some friends charted yachts from Crinan and sailed around the west coast of Scotland Island hopping, happy days. Watching your clips brought it all back to me. Great stuff, many thanks.
In later episodes I sail thorugh the Hebrides as well Donald. Twice in fact! Very lovely place, but winds are a bit irregular.
Cheers Patrick, it gave me confidence. Leaving port and returning is the most stressful time-similar to parking a vehicle which is much easier. I’m in the process of searching for live a board and like you I’ll be sailing singlehanded! Not great and I vowed never to sail solo again and twenty yrs later at the ripe old age of 65 I’m starting all over again! It’s easier to drop the hook and use the dinghy but at some point you have to get fuel and water etc.
Sounds like you are off on a great adventure OO-Soul. Godspeed! :-)
Thanks for giving us your insights Patrick. Not being a sailor myself I have no idea how I fell down this seemingly bottomless rabbithole of sailing videos on RUclips! Just a few weeks ago I wouldn't have thought a sailing video could interest me, much less one about handling your boat single-handed in the marina. Thanks to you and others I now have this itch that I fear won't be satisfied until I get my feet wet.
Super Mikael. Sailing is great fun, and needn't be stressful if you start with some lessons, and the first boat that you buy isn't something designed for racing around the world. I see people every weekend that have a terrific time on 20-30 foot boats, that are relatively easy to maneuver at sea (and in marinas). Thanks for your very thoughtful comment.
So glad to have found your channel. Future solo sailor here. Your videos have provided great info and fill me with an added confidence to do this myself. Thanks Patrick.
Very kind of you. Many thanks BitJam.
This has been fantastic to watch, Patrick. I just watched the whole series start to finish with no 45 minute resting breaks and so I am quite proud of myself. I have recently got a real itch to start sailing and this (for the most part - storms aside) really whetted my appetite and given me some great insight. Thank you
Terrific Paul. I'm glad these provided a bit of inspiration. Go out with a pro for lessons and you will quickly master the basics, and have a lot of fun also. Many thanks for the kind remarks. Fair winds.
You have the most useful and educational sailing channel on RUclips. Thank you for sharing all that you do!
I find your material absolutely riveting, and I was glued to my seat for the Azores series. Awesome style of teaching. Thanks so much Patrick!
Thanks for the kind feedback David. Much appreciated.
I am a beginner who will be doing solo sailing. The way you figured out how to solo dock a good size vessel in varied situations is a big help. C'est Bon!
Thanks Jack. Every marina, and every boat will have its own 'personality', but with a bit of practice, any technique can be adapted to work. The key is to practice. Fair winds.
A man after my own heart. The actual sailing stuff at sea is what's fun and keeps us coming back. "But, one of the most stressful parts of sailing are these docking maneuvers." How true. "And then I have to do this again!" Glad I am not alone.
I have filmed 80 or 90 of these dockings ---- but must admit, it remains a stressful part of the sailing experience…….. :-)
An accomplished man should apologise less! You are simply wonderful Mr Laine
Far too kind Michael. Thanks
Hi Patrick, thank you for this video. The bow fender is a game changer for us. We keep our 40ft cutter in Hobart Tasmania and it’s a really windy part of the world. Your docking technique will be perfect for us. Thank you so much, iv been sailing for a long time but still take notes from almost all your videos. They are brilliant. Thanks again
Glad it was helpful Marty!
Hi Patrick. I am really delighted to see such a calm but yet clear and focused sailsman like you of course are. It was both fun and helping to watch your movie. I look forward to enjoying your next episode. Thanks for your effort on making and sharing your great movies and expertise.
Thanks for the kind thoughts Centox. Much appreciated.
Monsieur Laine merci. I enjoyed your videos and found them very useful.
Much appreciated Vic.
i really enjoy your video's Patrick, i am rebuilding an old motorboat cruiser and turning it into a boat i can move into. now i see in your video's that sailing is also awesome witch i wil keep in mind when i bought my boat i basicly safed it from the scrapyard. Now one year later stil working on my boat and still have 4.5 months on the boat warf. oooh i cant wait to get on the water! Greetings from Holland,, Kitty.
Many thanks Kitty. I have neither the skills, nor the patience to rebuild an abandoned boat. I have nothing but respect for you. Good luck on finishing your project and getting out on the water. Best regards
thankyou :)
That was a very clear and well explained demonstration...Honest too!! I just moved up in boat size, and I have had certainly had my own adventures in docking!! I think if we are honest, we all have!! As a single hander myself, I really enjoyed seeing another technique! Thank you!!
Ahh yes. I think anyone who doesn't admit to docking errors is being economical with the truth. I've seen VERY experienced sailors botch an approach in tricky wind conditions. And, I think new boat owners over-rely on bow thrusters. Yes, they help, but I feel they should really just be a minor support in the maneuver. Thanks for contributing Moneypenny.
Thoroughly enjoy watching these and I’m learning a lot, so YES PLEASE keep making these. They are very helpful and educational!
Very kind of you Perry. Thanks
Super helpful videos. Wishing you fair winds, sunshine and gentle seas. Thank you.
Thank you for creating this series! I was searching for so long for a video where you can actually see what it feels like to be on the open sea without any made up and false drama! I am glad to find your channel. Thanks again.
Very kind of you Sir Butcher. Much appreciated.
I've enjoyed your videos very much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and candour..Cheers
Much appreciated Robert.
Great video, thanks for sharing your experience! I sail a 25ft and docking is always a stressful moment, but you gave me some valuable insight, I'll put it into use! Thanks again and godspeed!
Super Yuri. Many thanks for watching and the kind words of encouragement.
Okay, I’m way behind time but would just like to say how inspiring this series was. Absolutely fantastic, thank you Patrick. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Thanks.
Thank you for crashing your 40 footer into the pontoon! It gave me the courage to try it this weekend with my 30 footer. It worked brilliantly :) I was amazed how stable the boat was pushed into the finger. Thank you so much for sharing
I really regret having used that word 'crash' as some people have taken it completely out of context. I should have said 'nudge method' or 'bump method'. I'm glad you found some ideas there Paul. Fair winds.
This is my most favoritest episode. Number of times as chief helmsman subjected to abuse for incompetence when simply can't be done! Thank you - mind you the other half is still not convinced.
I have been very impressed by the high quality of your videos and the numerous practical tips. It is reassuring to know that even a very experienced sailor such as you admits that docking is one of the most difficult things a sailor has to contend with and you can get it wrong sometimes. It would be useful to have your views on leaving a dock affected by a strong current or wind. My own experience has taught me that, if one is turning into a berth with a strong current (or wind) at 90 degrees to the berth one should always arrange to first head into the strongest force so that it acts as a brake. Andrew
Yes Florence, the professionals always stress heading into the wind/current when turning into a berth if at all possible. This was not possible in the previous marina berth I had due to physical constraints (lack of space and shallow water), but I recently changed places in the marina, so now will try to head (or back) into the wind (or current) whenever it is an issue. Thanks for bringing up this important point.
Sorry, meant to say Andrew. :-)
Kudos, your technique is absolute genius. Had to chuckle because it's so simple and you made it look so easy even a clumsy chowderhead should be able to do it.
As I commented elsewhere OGN, I really do feel it is the most stressful part of solo sailing. There are many techniques that work, and many ways to botch an approach. (I have tested them all!) The best thing is to take some lessons with an instructor (many offer 'docking training weekends'). Stress to him/her that you want to focus on techniques that work for solo sailors (not just the one where you enter the slip half way and a crewmember steps onto the catway with your lines). Once you get those basic concepts, you then have to adapt to your own boat/marina specifics. Many thanks for watching and commenting OGN.
Thanks for posting this, great instruction for anyone wanting to learn to doc in various situations as a solo sailor. Definitely the hardest part of sailing, getting to and from the doc by yourself. Look forward to more of these types of instructional videos!
Many thanks Jerry. I certainly think it is the most stressful part of solo sailing. Unfortunately most of the docking training we receive is perfectly suited for a 'crewed' boat, but inappropriate for solo sailors (especially in larger boats). I took a couple of weekend 'port maneuvering' courses with different instructors, and this was a good start. However, I quickly learned that each boat is different, and each marina has its own personality also (long or sort catways, strong or no currents, shielded or not from the wind, slip berths or end of pontoon, etc.). You have to build a strategy based on your learnings, but adapted to you own situation (in my opinion, anyway). Thanks for watching.
Great channel. Very unpretentious. Thanks for sharing what you've learned. Also, you have the best commentators. Many of them share their knowledge and experience that one must normally purchase a book to get. Thank you for putting the vids up.
I fully agree Lightning. The comments have been brilliant, taught me a great deal, and caused me to reconsider several important aspects of sailing. I was afraid I was going to get just the usual internet download of vulgarity and insults. I have been absolutely delighted by the very high quality of the remarks, so much so, that I am tempted to do something like this again next Spring when I make another long passage. Thanks for watching.
VERY GOOD JOB, LEARNED A LOTI like how you are very precise in your communications and speech even when you were tired.
Very kind of you Web. I'm delighted you enjoyed them. Fair winds to you my friend.
Juan de Fuca would be nice sailing but the San Juan’s and Salish area are best sailed when the weather is changing between winter or fall or at least 15-20 “storm” forecast winds but motoring is always beautiful anywhere in here. Thanks again!! Your videos are quite informative and nicely done.
I wish i had seen these videos before i set off around Ireland, I must admit i spent a week in the Youghal bay practicing single handed mooring pick up and strong current docking, as i all ways say FAIL TO PREPARE, PREPARE TO FAIL and i also learned that on a boat if you are going to F%@K up, F@%K up slow. LOL got to go get more refreshments so i can catch up with the rest of your videos
Very kind. Thanks
I'm not a sailor but still found this very interesting to watch!
Very kind of you Leonard. Thanks.
Excellent series of videos! Please keep filming. All the best
Much appreciated HaveFun. Cheers.
18 dislikes? Why? Excellent examples which encourage this land lover to just go do it! Thank you!!
Many thanks Paul. I think the majority of the 'thumbs down' are because, ideally, you'd like to moor without bumping the bow against the pontoon. I agree with that concept, except that it just isn't possible in some contexts. The bottom line is that every boat, and every marina will have unique personalities. This is one technique that solo sailors may (or may not) find useful. Thanks for the kind remark.
Brilliant!!!! Thank you Thank you!!!! I have been playing over in my mind how I'm going to solo dock and suddenly your vid appears. Perfect!
Many thanks BMX. Film some of your arrivals and share them with us. :-) Fair winds.
I’m always looking for docking tips. You video was great! I hope you make more. You’re a natural instructor. Thank you. - Jim
Many thanks Jim. Of course, every marina and every boat will require its own unique technique, but I'm delighted if this gives you some ideas. Thanks for watching.
Excellent video! Really fine job. I've never seen the boating crashing technique to crosswind docking. Very creative (and functional). Well done.
My worst fire drill docking was upwind of a vintage wooden boat that had the owners restoring it down below during my "maneuver." My boat (Valiant 42) was horrible at backing any distance without severely crabbing out of control. The fairway was very narrow and I doubted my ability to back out of the fairway to buy me some time to call for assistance. My challenge was the 20 knots blowing me off the finger pier and into the vintage boat. My mate tried to lasso the mid-pier cleat but missed. I had to leap onto the pier (injuring my hip) and made fast to the mid-pier cleat cleat with the boat 4' off the pier and just a foot from laying against the vintage boat. Someone else had pity on me and took the bow line and made it fast, but it took at least 10 minutes of grunting against the wind before we got the boat against the pier. If there had been a cleat at the end of the finger pier, we could of lasso'ed it and used the engine to pull the boat into the pier, but we had to commit to the slip before we could tell that there wasn't a cleat that we could use for that purpose. The silver lining was that the vintage boat owners never new how close they came to a lot more work. :-) at my expense. I still have the nightmares reliving that awful experience...
I feel for you Rich --- though to be honest, we've all 'been there, done that' before. My absolute worst ever arrival occurred at 0200, so I was the only witness…...but the memory still makes me cringe. I regret having used the expression 'crash method' as it was meant to be tongue in cheek. I wish I had said 'bump and lock method' instead, which more accurately describes the technique. In Episodes 22 through 35 I show another 30+ arrivals in all kinds of conditions. Some are good, some are bad, and a few are ugly….. but all were safe. :-)
Thank you so much! I have watched a few of your videos and as I will be a solo sailor you have given me heaps of confidence to be able to manage a yacht of your size. Thank you from Shanghai and i look forward to your next solo sailing video!
Much appreciated Justin. Take some lessons from a pro, then get out there on your own. You'll love it.
All these comments are spot on. One of the most informative videos on RUclips!! Well done and thank you.:)
Much appreciated Tony. Comments like this provide the encouragement to try to do something like this again. Best regards.
Merci! Patrick, I truly enjoy watching your vlogs. They are informative, educational and your candor is refreshing. Keep up the great sailing experience. Be safe!
Much appreciated Roger. Fair winds to you.
I so appreciate your posting these docking tips. Just bought a 38.5 Catalina this season and have been figuring out docking solo. So glad for your confidence which is inspiring. If you ever get to Vancouver, please contact me and we can visit the gulf islands. Merci !
Another thing I do is get up VERY early in the morning, and just motor around the marina, pulling into a berth from the left, then the right, then aft first ----- all of this with no one looking. It gives you a good feel for the affect of prop wash, and different wind/current variations. Best wishes for some great adventures on the new boat.
@@patricklaine6958 I love that idea. Secret spy sailor getting his stealth practice in. My sail is #7 aussi!
Fantastically realistic, thank you Patrick for the unrehearsed exercise, very honest of you. My Best, I will follow you.
Many thanks Sergio. Much appreciated.
Very graceful , nicely done Patrick. Fun to watch.
I learned from and enjoyed the video. We sold our 34 foot Hunter probably mostly due to embarrassment of trying to dock, backing it in with all the lake sailor armchair experts shouting advice. I gave up too soon and want to try it again. Your video was inspiring. Thanks.
Hope you get back out on the water soon ReZipped. I too have 'benefitted' from countless sources of advice on how to do it. Unfortunately, the techniques they recommend are 90% of the time suited for boats with additional crew members on board --- and those techniques don't often transfer to single-handed operations. I listen to them all though, and apply my 'solo' filter privately. :-)
Since you where a pilot I think you found your video niche. When I watched you first go into a berth like being a kid and not asking how to get off the ski lift. Same fears like teaching a child how to drive and straight lines are easy but coming into a congested gas station for a new driver is a nightmare. All these very true to life scenarios you showed everyone are very important tools. Cool and good work on that one!!!
Thank you HK. I realize that some people will be shocked by my 'controlled crash' technique of docking. However, when I was a fighter pilot, I landed on aircraft carriers. That helps frame my point of reference for the definition of a controlled crash. :-)
Sad to see the series come to an end but really looking forward to all future seasons and episodes.. learnt lots from my airchair, can't wait to put those docking techniques into practice, one of the best sailing channels I have seen. Thank you soooooo much for sharing your adventure
Enjoyed. Thanks for sitting down to edit for us!
Your kind remark is much appreciated 1911. Fair winds to you.
Patrick, thank you for sharing, please continue. The information you provide is really very interesting and useful. I love watching your channel.
Very kind Robert. Much appreciated.
Im only part way into the video but as another solo sailer I agree with everything you say so far. If there is NO water passing the rudder you cannot steer so you must keep way on. Now got to 11.14, and I could not have done it better myself. Yes this is a really useful vid for those with lesser experience.
In total I filmed about 80 or 90 approaches during my series of videos --- some good, some not so good…..but I hope they have given people the confidence to go out and develop a method that works or them.