How to Dock a Sailboat in a STRONG Side Wind / Crosswind - Croatian Mooring

skipperhotline.eu - Call or text experienced local skipper any time you need help or advice - it's FREE if you book a boat through our platform!
How do you dock a sailboat in windy conditions?
In this example, the skipper instructor demonstrates docking with a strong (up to 25 knots) side wind (or crosswind).
This is a typical mooring setup in Croatia and the method of approach most professional local skippers use.
#sailing #howtoboating #sailingschool #skipper #skippertraining

[@SkipperHotline]

Get full Skipper Hotline Assistance Package for FREE: visit skipperhotline.eu/

[@bhodson7954]

Great combination of camera angles and virtual instruments. Thanks.

[@SkipperHotline]

So glad to hear you like it :) thanks!

[@epicnavigator]

Very nice demonstration!! I like the combination of bow thrust and engine, so you don't let the bow accelerate downwind, which I sometimes forget and then have to put a lot of unnecessary tension on the line

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks :)

[@MD-vj5jk]

A good skipper i think. I see so much people that can't use there bow thruster. I am always afraid when i am at the dock and hear the noise of the bow thruster of the charter skipper. Also a lot of humility when I read the comments. A good skipper... i am sure of it. Sorry for my bad english

[@SkipperHotline]

@@MD-vj5jk Thanks a lot :) I'm trying my best

[@user-wk8wb8cj8m]

Good maneuver. The engine throttle controls the position of the bow. During gusts, it needs higher RPMs to stay in place. This yacht has a single rudder. It controls the stern position in this maneuver due to prop wash in forward gear - leeward rudder moves the stern to windward. Since the RPMs can not increase as much as the wind in worse conditions can, it is better to use a higher lever / better turning point, by attaching the stern line a bit more forward (up until a middle cleat). Good for that is to use the stern line in a triangle between the middlecleat, the sterncleat, and the pier. As mentioned in the video, contact between the mooring lines and the propeller is a risk here (prop wash alone can stir the mooring up). To remove this risk as early as possible, short temporary slip lines over the cleats of the windward vessel (if possible) can be fastened before the mooring line is pulled up from the seabed.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks for the advice, someone has mentioned the same prop wash approach already to me so I'm looking forward to next opportunity to try that first :) The middle cleat makes sense, but I've used it only as a leverage point for the side docking, have to try as you've described for the stern docking too.

[@ravicabral2522]

​@@SkipperHotline I think the guys who are saying that you can hold the bow upwind with propwash need to try doing that in real life in 20+ knot winds winds! Lol! Propwash is never going to generate enough force against 20 knot winds! And propwalk will just pull your stern in one direction. Your bow will still blow downwind. And propwalk is only really effective in reverse. Driving off the quay, the way you describe works.

[@SkipperHotline]

@@ravicabral2522 That might be true, and I've spoke with some of my colleagues who have doubts that would work if your bow is exposed to 20+ knots of direct wind. But I have never tried it, so it's only fair that I try the technique before I form an opinion about it. But in general there is a little problem sometimes with students who have practiced on lakes, or only in calm condition because they come to the sea with "funny, fancy" ideas how to do things which don't work in strong wind or big waves.

[@vaughanjohansen1172]

Nice Job!

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks!

[@LousiestPlayerEver]

Very good Video! Your screen setup is perfect with wind angle and speed as well as boat speed. One addition could be the cherry on top if you include position of the rudder. Thanks for the video.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks a lot! I was thinking about it, maybe I will try in future videos.

[@Misteribel]

Arguably the best demo on how to control a boat with a windward line in a lazy line docking. Curious of the same using Greek style anchor docking, stern first. Because you won't have speed then, and your bow thruster will have little use.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks a lot :) I have never sailed in Greece so can't comment on that. But if it's similar to anchoring with a shore line in a case of cross wind my favorite process is (assuming I have a crew or a guest who can drive a dinghy): 1. attach shore line to the shore from a dinghy 2. stretch the line with the dinghy to the position where you expect your end position of the stern after anchoring 3. drop the anchor and stretch the chain in continues motion till you reach the dinghy 4. attach stern line to to bollard and use it as a leverage if needed to correct your position I hope this is clear enough. Sorry if it's not applicable for the Greek style docking. Anyway we will upload a video with that anchoring technique as well

[@MrEugene900]

thanks for the excellent educational video. He helped me with my mooring maneuver

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks a lot, I'm happy to hear it was helpful to you! More useful videos are coming up soon :)

[@MrEugene900]

@@SkipperHotline I'm now subscribed to your channel and eagerly awaiting your next video! The quality content really drew me in, and I'm amazed by your skills. It's a pleasure to watch, and overall, it was an excellent video. Keep up the great work!

[@RustyKnorr]

Great, as long as you have lots of help and a BOW THRUSTER. Super helpful…🤦‍♂️

[@SkipperHotline]

Ok I have to ask one of you "no bow thruster" guys: why not using the bow thruster on a 45 feet boat with 25KT crosswind? And why not to show where and when to use it since Skipper Hotline is primarily dedicated to beginner and leisure sailors who will rent boats in Croatia? And if I will be there booking agent, I will try my best to find them a boat with bow thruster because it makes docking easer and safer. And help: Every marina in Croatia will send you a "marinero" to catch your stern line and lift your mooring. You are already paying for that "help", so why not use it? *our private family boat has no bow thruster, and there is no "marinero" to help but that video would appeal only to private owner which is not a goal of "Skipper Hotline Assistance" because our service is typically favored by charterers. So I'm making videos which showcase usual charter docking. Thanks for understanding the context and the audience :)

[@tomoffshore]

the manoeuvre is greatly performed, right amount of speed, always calm and clear in his instructions. The two bow thruster pushes were useful for making the manoeuvre super clean. Without it, the boat would have turned more downwind alongside the pontoon, but a bit more forward power with steering on port side (with the upwind rear mooring rope secured) would have corrected it. So basically, it's the same manoeuvre without a bow thruster

[@SkipperHotline]

@@tomoffshore thank you!

[@epicnavigator]

@@RustyKnorr No help and no bow thruster in high cross wind usually end up viral video with title "big ego skipper destroyed 5 boats during docking"

[@JimJocrusin]

Well done and clearly described.

[@SkipperHotline]

Many thanks!

[@henktulp4400]

I lived on the Dalmation shore for over 5 years, the Bura* is a force to be reckoned with!! Simply the forecast of a strong Bura stops the ferries and cargoships from sailing… Problem with the Bura is that it starts all of the sudden, without warning!!! At start it is at it’s strongest, see here the danger…. The Yugo** is the opposite; it starts slowly but increases in force….. Apart from these two winds it is mostly deadcalm; typical Miditeranian: no wind or too much of it…. and only from a direction you don’t want!!! * very strong, gusty and unpredictable wind directed offshore from the Dalmatian coast, basically it is cold (=heavy-) air that drops down from the mountains. Onshore vans and trucks are knocked over at times! ** Steadily building Southern wind coming from over the Adriatic sea, in summertime creating an unbearable choking, warm, humid atmosphere… From my village Podgora, I have seen several running yachts broaching violently being late reducing sail….. Ps love your vid: thumb+subscription!!! Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks, and thanks for sharing your experience. For us who live in Croatia since childhood Bura (and winds in general) are not seen in such extreme as you've described, but strong wind regardless of the direction is something that has to be approached with great deal of respect at the sea.

[@alexandermenck6609]

Good maneuver - next without bow thruster, please.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks. Of course for the next one, obviously that's what my audience wants so I have to deliver :D

[@KresimirBasic]

Great præsentation. I would like to see the same manuver without using baw truster and it would be nice if you present your assistants properly at the beginning. I'm looking forward for more videos for instance, docking alone ore with only one crew member and no assistane from the dock side. Good and educative video anyhow

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks, we are preparing more videos, some of those are exactly what you've mentioned and much more. Stay tuned :)

[@Ot8942]

I’m interested too, because i don’t have a bow thruster.

[@koroskaforever]

In this situation you can use additional spring line on windward middle cleat and pass it to the other on the pier. In strong wind you have option to temporary use the middle cleat on boat at your windward side and tie your spring line on it. After that you have a lot of time to pick up the mooring line and secure the boat. When you do this that way, don’t forget the cold beer for crew on this boat!!!

[@SkipperHotline]

@@koroskaforever thanks, few people have mention that trick already. can't wait to try it :)

[@andrewfedorov3800]

Excellent maritime experience

[@sonostatonominato8129]

Good video guys, gj

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks!

[@Ignasiramonell]

Good maneuver, just one pointer for advice. After fixing the windward mooring line to the bollard/cleat on the dock and driving forward, the rudder should be turned to leeward (even if it seems counter intuitive) so the wash from the propeller will help you bring your stern to winward easier.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks, I have to try that!

[@albertofourie3294]

Yup, he turned the wheel the wrong way! No wonder he had to engage the bow-thruster.

[@sailinghaldis]

Is it a dual rudder boat? If so, I imagine the effect of the prop wash to be negligible. I personally prefer to have a marinero in a dinghy on the bow. Well done especially narrating at the same time!!

[@SkipperHotline]

@@sailinghaldis Thanks. In this charter marinero in dinghy is not regular option (probably could be arranged in strong wind.) And since this is educational video and in general it's rather rare option to have help from the dinghy in Croatia I prefer to demonstrate it without one. It's a single rudder boat.

[@AmiGivati]

He is handling the mooring line which ties the bow (Med mooring). So he needs to bring the bow upwind, thus the steering at this stage should be to port (winword)

[@koroskaforever]

Majstore!

[@Mulan.Huonghui]

My problem always is, that the marineros on land first give me the mooring while I want to have fixed the rope first. I always have to fight and discuss during the manoever that I have agreed with my crew before in preparation,

[@SkipperHotline]

This is common problem and lot of marineros are doing that indeed. I'm assuming they are doing it that way because a lot of amateur skippers don't have precise control over there boat so this way might be easier. However you are the responsible one and in charge so be loud and clear about how you need them to assist you. And it helps a lot (specially on catamaran if you are far from the marinero or have limited visibility, that your crew member who is handling the stern lines communicates what you need) And don't forget to tell marinero to attach the stern line to the bollard because some will throw it back right away which takes few critical seconds from you. (in the windy situation of course, in no wind, or stern wind you can do the "slow" option too IMO)

[@KivBB]

Definitely true , especially in ACI split Marina. Appears they do it on purpose. Or they have no understanding of boat handling. I had one who refused to take a line from my crew, and wanted them to take the slime line , despite there being a 20knt side wind, I have also found very helpful marineros.

[@SkipperHotline]

@@KivBB Yea, it's not isolated problem in ACI Split, but usually if you insist they will do what you want. It might be bit easier for me because I speak in Croatian language with them since they are sometimes condescending towards amateur (tourist) skippers. What you can do is approach once just to communicate what you need, then go back to "pool" and repeat the docking maneuver. But that is bit extreme...

[@kisero2222]

How you blend NMEA data with the video on real time? is there some software that takes a NMEA dump and synchronizes it with the video timestamp?

[@SkipperHotline]

Sadly I don't have such fancy transition. I've recorded data (screen with the phone) and then manually recreated it in AE

[@martinusbrouwers]

it was good that you had soo much space......

[@richardowen2087]

Not familiar with Mediterranean mooring. Is there a line run to the dock from an anchor point in the water at the bow in the channel? It wasn't clear in the video.

[@SkipperHotline]

Yes, it's exactly like you've described. We will make a video explaining how it works. Thanks for the comment :)

[@skippy-rj5jd]

Lijep video, iako ne vidim u cemu bi trebao biti problem ako imas na raspolaganju truster🤷🏻‍♂️….

[@mkx70]

Truster nije baš jak pa ako je vjetar sa strane jak, truster možda i nije dovoljan. Uvijek je bolje, da se manevar proba uraditi bez trustera pa je onda truster za rezervu.

[@SkipperHotline]

@@mkx70 hvala, to bih i ja napisao. Ništa nije problem ako imaš znanje i vještinu. Međutim ovi videi su namjenjeni početnicima i amaterima kojima su uplovljavanja pri jakom vjetru izazov.

[@koroskaforever]

@@skippy-rj5jd Mi smo uzeli Dufor 56 exclusive, pa nama je crko traster. Pa da onda vidiš šta tu radi bočni vjetar uprkos tježini broda. Truster je super, samo nikada nemam 100 % trusta u traster 😁

[@stephenburnage7687]

You have to back all the way in? No room to turn inside the marina?

[@SkipperHotline]

You always want (if possible) to approach stern towards the wind, so approaching from other direction would be wrong (not because there is rule for sake of the rule but it's way way harder to pull of such maneuver when wind is pushing you from the bow) And turning inside marine with 25KT or wind is simply unnecessary risk IMO Otherwise Marina Punat is one of the most specious marinas in Croatia so there is enough room to turn if wind is from other direction.

[@stephenburnage7687]

@SkipperHotline Interesting. I am not sure I could pull off such a reversing maneuver in my boat, even with no wind :), as I have no steerage in reverse below 2.5 to 3 kts. Always have to go bow in.

[@SkipperHotline]

​@@stephenburnage7687 I assume It's a bit older boat you talk about? Usually they have such challenge going reverse. In Croatia 90% of boats are docked with a stern, and all Charters I can think of have that orientation so that's why I'm using most common way of docking to present here. But if you are a private owner you know what works for you and you don't have to follow general approach. Good luck with you sailing adventures :)

[@stephenburnage7687]

@SkipperHotline Yes, an older boat (with a foldibg prop), so very little control in reverse. There was one marina where I had no choice, however, other than to reverse in up a long channel but it took multiple attempts and some speed to accomplish it. I guess I will mostly be anchoring if I get to Croatia!

[@koroskaforever]

@@stephenburnage7687 It is way too easy if you turn the boat in reverse outside off marina where you have a lot of space - ok depends on the side of the wind. That way you easily correct prop walk and then steering sailboat as a train 🚂.

[@sailawayteam]

Why not use midship cleat as first point of contact?

[@SkipperHotline]

Because I have never seen that option for stern docking. Someone has already suggested that. I will try it next time. I'm really curious how much effect it will have on a boat with wide stern.

[@sailawayteam]

​@@SkipperHotline The idea is that with line in midship and windward side, the boat will be able to turn around the keel whichever way you want and can be kept perpendicular to the dock with rudder and thrust while the mooring is picked and stern is fastened. Edit: with twin rudders things might be different, and then line from stern & bow thruster might be better option.

[@SkipperHotline]

@@sailawayteam I understand the physics of that setup in theory.. I'm really curious to try it and see if it helps more with the narrow stern compared to wide stern boat or is it equally beneficial regardless of the shape of the boat.

[@lambertoazzi7883]

Thought it was a real thing until he showed up the bowthruster 😂😂😂 Next time try to use the upwind midship cleat and a bit of engine forward... no need for a bowthruster. You get a 10 for camera setup and screen graphics.

[@javierferrer9028]

You used the bow thruster though. Good maneuver anyway.

[@SkipperHotline]

Thanks. Do you think bow thruster shouldn't be used at all? In general I don't use it, and I teach my student to have it as a backup plan, not as a main maneuvering tool but in such condition I'm happy to use it.

[@ravicabral2522]

​@@SkipperHotlineIt would be silly not to use it in situations where it is the only way to make docking the boat more controlled and safe. Some people avoid situations where the only controlled way to dock is reliant on the BT. But some people also choose to anchor under sail whenever possible!

[@SkipperHotline]

@@ravicabral2522 I think not using a bow thruster is a strange skipper "flex" :) Had no idea so many people hate it though :O I don't need it, but I'm happy to use one in such condition when I have it. And since this videos are made mostly for beginners IMO it's good to show them when and how to use the bow thruster. ( As a booking agent, I always recommend boats with a bow thruster to my clients, IMO it makes there sailing trip safer and easier ) But since there is such a big deal about bow thruster I think I should make one video only on that topic :) Thank you for all the positive comments and common sense approach, it's really nice to see people like you in the comment section :D

[@marinplecas2485]

Ok,ali nema broda sa zavjetrinske strane?

[@SkipperHotline]

Ne razumijem pitanje. Mislim očito ga nema. Barem ne neposredno pored veza koji pripada jedrilici/charteru na kojoj sam snimao ovaj video.

[@bartersally]

Did you have fenders out?

[@SkipperHotline]

Of course :) And if there would be another boat on a leeward (starboard) side I would prepare one extra "free" fender in a cockpit as a backup if anything goes wrong.

[@OGillo2001]

FULLLLL GASSSSS!

[@ArsenijKrasnov]

What boat is this?

[@SkipperHotline]

Salona 45 from 2003

[@o0OeftichisO0o]

Eh, would have been educational without bow thruster.

[@hurdurdur7rl696]

The moment you mentioned bow thrusters the video got really boring. Let's see this docking without that luxury.

[@antebratincevic6764]

Ma dobro, to je ionako predstava za zamantane.