Leaving a Dock
With Wind or Current from Ahead or Off.
See Table 3-6 and Figure 3-11. Wind or current
will help you swing the bow out while
protecting the stern against the dock. When
you are clear, applying gentle forward
power while releasing the dock line should
get you away from the dock. The biggest
concern in just releasing the bow lines is the
tendency for the boat to pinwheel around
so the stern faces the wind or current.
With Wind or Current from Astern.
This can be a little trickier. The biggest concern
in just releasing the stern lines is the
tendency for the boat to pinwheel around
40 Chapter One
Figure 3-12. Leaving with wind from astern
Figure 3-13. Leaving with wind on the dock. Position a fender between the
bow and the dock to avoid damage to boat.
31
32
wind or
current
2
1
3
Table 3-6. Departing with Wind or Current
A line looped around a piling or cleat, and slowly paid out as the
boat is backed increases control.
The skipper can use this method even when alone. Spring lines
help offset effects of strong currents.
Figure 3-11. Leaving with wind or current off the dock