Docking Bridle

Video shows setup and use of a bridle combining the spring line and bow line into one unit for use in parallel docking of a 40 foot sailboat.

[@RichardChambers]

I prefer to use the stern and mid cleats when doing this single handed. You can come alongside parallel to the dock and don't have to leave the cockpit to get the rope around the pile or clear on the dock. Motoring forward brings the boat into the dock and secure so you can step off and secure the bow line. Your technique makes good use of prop walk though so would be great from higher wind or current blowing you off of the dock.

[@mikemagee3281]

I've sailed with Capt. Tom and have to say, the sailing world is blessed by his sharings of knowledge, skills, and techniques.

[@oneSneakyBanana]

Great technique-excited to give it a go

[@arniehoward9438]

i just want you guys to know , the most respect goes out to Mr Tom and Maryland School of Sailing. i will save these videos forever and review them numerous times. You guys are the best instructors of any and all i have seen. thank you for all the hard work that goes into these videos

[@anonymous.notatall6419]

Love the loop. I was using one line. Can I suggest that perhaps single handed, tie that useful loop of yours instead to the stern and midships, also attach same arrangement on bow in wait. In approach aim bow closer to stern pilon in forward idle, turn in aproach to end with bow back out slightly and stern close to wharf just past stern pilon, pulse reverse till able to put loop on pilon, put in forward idle (this eliminates a long walk away from controls and tiller up the deck) keep in idle forward until drawn into wharf by your looped rope system, this way when along side idling forward turning the rudder does have slight effect so you can genty push the bow closer to the target points (both port and starboard) and it is held like this by idle so you can get off and go forward to secure front loop. This method from a single tie from amidships taken back to the stern has been called a Moitessier dock tie, your loop amidships and bow/stern only seems to improve it. Also, can I suggest a bowline on the bligh or an alpine butterfy knot? Both easier to untie after load.

[@Janespony]

Thank you! I’ve owned my IP for 18 yrs and have never seen this. Very useful. I have experienced a couple of times that this would have saved the day.

[@mdschoolofsailing]

Since posting this video, we have learned a few adaptations that make the whole process easier: (1) tie a figure-8 knot instead of an overhand knot for easier untying. (2) Thread a short length of flexible clear plastic tubing on to the loop before tying the knot to allow the loop to slide more easily over a piling. (3) Thread a longer length of clear plastic tubing over the loop before tying the knot to hold the loop open when placing over a piling... T

[@jorgeagosto6848]

Genius.....! Amazing how a simple idea can be so clever.... calassical mechanics as it best! Extremally well explain...

[@TheDesertSailor]

Absolutely brilliant and well demonstrated and edited! Thank you!

[@ST-ye8fe]

Great video. Really nice to refresh (and learn some new!) stuff before going out since long. Extra idea: An alpine butterfly would really be easier to undo than the overhand in high winds with lot of force (might be a lot easier to undo). Again thanks, and cheers

[@MrBeckman123]

Great technique! Thanks! Thanks to all, Tom Beckman

[@windonwater3895]

It's always nice to consider new techniques. Thanks much for this one. Excellent job - as always.

[@martyhownice2441]

Cool technique!! But i would definitely use some fenders :)

[@kevinleigh7387]

Good stuff. I wonder if you could create a video showcasing same technique with stern and mid cleat. That way I would not have to come all the way forward to secure the loop. I am thinking about single-handed, tight parking space or wind pushing off dock situations.

[@mdschoolofsailing]

Single-handed, tight parking space or wind pushing off dock are the exact reasons that we use this bridle...T

[@kevinleigh7387]

@@mdschoolofsailing ok, thanks. Could you provide demonstration of this single handed docking technique with a floating dock?

[@cherylekutzer7521]

Interesting less. My hubby and I have used this way of docking for many years. Always works, especially in strong winds. Interested Western Australian. 😅

[@Misteribel]

​@kevinleigh7387 on a floating, or low dock, it's impractical to use a forward spring, as the bow is too high. The shown approach won't work then. Instead, use the same setup aft (midship cleat and aft cleat), and motor forward in the spring, this will bring the bow around, which you can then secure. In my experience, low cleats are more common in European harbors, and they're somewhat hard to catch from a high freeboard at the bow, plus it's just now pleasant that you don't have to run away from your steering in the midst of a procedure.

[@rafaellongo114]

Thank you Captain Tom

[@jamesedwards1588]

Thank you, Tom

[@spasekossev1340]

Very good, just maybe need to set fenders before to heading to the dock.

[@TheSalMaris]

hmmm . . . nice maneuver if you can get that over hand knot out of your line after your tie up. Smooth Sailing to you.

[@johng1857]

Agreed. Instead of the overhand knot, why not make a bowline knot with a really long "short line"? In fact, do you even need the bow line?

[@mdschoolofsailing]

We won't be taking the overhand knot out; this bridle with loop tied in will be a dedicated line for this type of docking maneuver... T

[@TheisPHansen]

@@mdschoolofsailing I would use an alpine butterfly knot for this - easy to tie in the middle of the rope, and easy to untie. But great technique, thanks!

[@jon-joa.douglas9442]

In my slip I cannot get this angle, so can I use the same technique from the midships cleat and the stern cleat, perhaps using forward thrust

[@westmc45]

can I do this with bow in first and just use the one pillon or use the cleats on the dock? Sorry just new to me. this is just used to get the boat to the dock to secure the spring line right? or do you leave the brittle on as well

[@Kirmo13]

Do you keep the helm straight?

[@lio-shai1103]

he even doesn't use fenders! why?

[@deislanddave]

Unnecessarily complex and ends up taking too long to secure the boat. Just use a forward spring or even midship breast line with stern line ready to go. The "slack" bow line is just another potential failure mode. Bow lines in most conditions rigged last. The loop and the hitch that forms it make force vectors problematic. A "solution" looking for a problem.

[@harbourdogNL]

Tell us how you really feel... 😆

[@deislanddave]

@@harbourdogNL I think I did.

[@TheExumRidge]

Figure 8, vs overhand.

[@erents1]

Great video, thank you!

[@twohalf-hitches]

Great video! We use this setup a lot and it's my favorite for light handed docking!