How To Dock Single Handed (Sailing Virgins) Ep.03

We at Sailing Virgins are creating instructional videos on how to sail that aren’t lame! Join us as we travel through the Caribbean, Croatia, Tahiti, and more and show you the ropes, literally.
----
We are the world's #1 sailing school for millennials-lessons, courses, classes in the Caribbean, Croatia, and Tahiti.
----
In this episode:
From time to time you may need to bring a boat alongside with nobody but yourself. We find this single-handed alongside method to be simple and efficient. For a detailed explanation of this method please check our blog post at:
info.sailingvirgins.com/sailin...
Support us and get free gear: / sailingvirgins
This is an advanced method for experienced sailors only. If you screw it up you can hurt yourself. Take care. The blog post outlines some of the risk areas.
-----------Contents-----------
00:00 Intro
00:28 The Set-Up - which method you need to secure your bow and stern lines.
02:41 The Approach - finding the slowest speed that still gives you steerage.
03:48. Securing - going into reverse when about half a boat-length from your final desired position, having the boat inch forward, securing your stern line, locking it off, going into gentle forward, securing your spring, then walking forward and securing your bowline.
05:00 Finessing - not really covered in this demonstration as there are so many different methods here. This method is about bringing your boat alongside and making it secure.
We hope you get something out of this and look forward to your comments.
Skipper James Kell is a Yachtmaster Instructor with the Royal Yachting Association. He runs Sailing Virgins, a Caribbean-based adventure sailing school dedicated to leveling up the sailing skills of people in their 20s and 30s. See sailingvirgins.com for information on courses.

[@SailingLearningByDoing]

Nicely made video, simple, to the point and without the 10min buildup that you often see.

[@sailingavocet]

yep! Sweet, simple, and to the dang point!

[@danparsons2765]

Unbelievable video. I have to move my new boat single handed on Saturday and this has been inspiring, 🙏

[@alexlebegue3683]

Well done with the drone shot! Definitely helps for an alongside video!

[@SailingVirgins]

Alex Lebegue thanks man

[@moriver3857]

Well done. I'm single handed too and I once was scared of doing what you did, but now when I'm going stern in, I put a huge fender on the transom, back the boat into the fender, leave it on idle reverse and tie a few lines, kill the engine, and tweak the lines. As you say, preparation and power/momentum management is everything. Great show.

[@charliemcgrain]

I single hand all the while. Just a couple of points might help: 1 always lead the forward docking line all the way aft to the cockpit so I have two lines ready to take ashore with me. On larger boats the forward line I lead aft is a spring line, cleated aboard midships. 2: Only leave the engine in gear if the bow is going to get blown off the jetty. Wait until you have secured your stern line, in a breast line position is best, then turn the helm toward the dock (tiller would be "away" from the dock) and put the engine in forward gear. This will try to push the stern away from the dock, thus levering the bow back toward the dock, turning on your aft fender. 3: Using your video as our example: If you had a strong wind blowing from the dock it would have pushed you away on your angle of approach. Keep in mind our boats turn from the stern and pivot around our center line, so you can approach the dock (very slowly) as if you were going to t-bone it, straight on and then, as you get close begin your turn. 4: Lastly. If the wind had been blowing strongly from the left of the shot in the video, onto your bow as you were approaching, then come along side the space at the jetty, almost as if you were about to parallel park a car, but lined up with the space, and slowly, using your helm let the bow fall off toward the jetty, then use the power of the wind blowing on the bow and a little "port" helm, in your case, with controlled engine power you can let the boat crab across the water right into the space at the jetty. The whole boat can be made to crab sideways quite easily. I have had quite a few rounds of applause from jetty watchers for that maneuver. It is very satisfying. Single handers should always try and do everything from the cockpit and as you say set up is key. Picking up a mooring buoy, deploying drogues and sea anchors, even throwing the anchor overboard (on smaller boats) are all best done from the cockpit. Just lead the necessary lines aft. Great videos. Love your work. Beautifully shot too!

[@SailingVirgins]

Hi Charlie, thanks for your comments. There are a few discrepancies we would debate here, but hey if it works for you, then that's all that matters. Enjoy!

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

Charlie McGrain , very well said as this is what I do.

[@TheFlyingPlectrum]

I single hand all the time and do the same. Stern line and forward spring both next to me. Often don't even need to leave the cockpit to make the boat safe just lean out and make off.

[@steveshoulders]

Have a look at this video... This skipper uses a looped line. Never tried it out but it seems so graceful. Obviously,, this can't be done with rings on the dock,, but if you are certain you can throw your loop around a fixed point, then you're good to go every time so it seems. If you are not sure how long your loop should be,, you could put one end of the loop on the winch and pull it in after the throw. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaG2qYSrjLWZqJI Love the Sailing Virgins video's.. Fresh, to the point and with a great deal of coolness.. Keep it up! Agree with the notion it's better to cleat instead of starting off with a bowline on your boat. It's a better exit strategy in case of emergency.

[@charliemcgrain]

@@steveshoulders Make sure you don't miss!

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Many ways to do this, my preferred method solo is to use a mid cleat and get that line on the dock and the boat isn’t going anywhere. Then I grab the bow and stern lines that I prepare much the same as you did. Have to bare in mind not all docks have nice mooring cleats. In France for example they are often aluminium loops so you have to get the rope through them and you can’t drop a line over like you did. Docki into wind is fine if you can but there may be a current so that may be stronger. I do like that this was a short and sharp no BS video though. Andy UK

[@numberfool]

Really well done. A lot of practical tips and I like the line setup. May I suggest as a sailor your next knot is the cleat hitch :)

[@moriver3857]

Great video! The drone shots are awesome. I too do this but always take one of my hook poles with me in case of a wind gust mess up my dock plan, sometimes using the second pole from the bow to work the bow to the dock and bumpers before stepping out. Great job.

[@Markdeloose]

great video's. Good to see the basics again reminding me of the details on how to do it.

[@jacktyler7599]

One thing not mentioned - altho' I'm sure James was doing it - is to manage the approach with an eye to putting the stern NOT on the dock generally but on the spot on the dock where that first cleat is located. Just like, when landing a plane, you don't do your approach to land somewhere on the runway but rather you do your approach to land at a specific spot on the runway.

[@darrenparsons8131]

Nicely done. Have tried something similar in my power boat - just left it in neutral. Will have to give it a go with her in gear - just have to wait about three months to get back on the water

[@cindyreid6404]

Great work! Most of my friends have their own boat so I'm single handing a lot and we meet up and raft off at anchor. I would like to see another perspective on how you handle rafting off if possible. I really enjoy your videos they're awesome!

[@Maximus-HK]

What a find! Thanks for the upload, cobber 👍

[@jhemlow]

These videos are incredible. Much gratitude!

[@wanagiandme]

Awesome bruh I'm new to Sailing learning as I go appreciate your videos.

[@sailingavocet]

Excellent video! Very informative for new sailors. Keep up the hard work!

[@nickobohosian5914]

I have tried it. It works and I love it. Use it now all the time.

[@martyhill6609]

Nicely done. I single hand my 40ft Atkins Cutter and dock her in often strong winds. Having my docking lines and fenders ready ahead of time, one method I use is to run a line through the mid ships FAIRLEAD back to the stern bollard, I then approach the dock in gear at idle depending wind and tide, go into reverse to stop the boat, tie to dock cleat adjacent the cockpit, then forward gear at idle and she pulls into dock, with a bit of rudder to keep the bow into the dock, she will stay there while I tie off forward and stern lines. Obviously this happens quite quick, no time to stuff around but Its works a treat. The mid ships spring line pulling the boat towards the dock will allow the boat to be easily tied off with no danger of hitting other vessels which may be moored close by. Never even come close to damaging my or anyone's boat. Power is the key either by engine of small reefed mainsail.

[@WindedVoyage]

You guys have my favorite how-to vids. Wished I'd seen you when I was starting out 3 years ago. I still watch to either comfirm my techniques with yours, and in most cases I end up learning more from you guys. Thanks!

[@SailingVirgins]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@WindedVoyage]

@@SailingVirgins ur welcome. I got a channel too. I'm Cape Verde. Awesome here! Good to confirm your sailing stamina.

[@davidncw4613]

VG TY. The drown shots provide an outstanding big picture.

[@makisp.1428]

Excellent demo! Thank you!

[@hughhenderson7552]

Yes, echo that about the drone, and love the unconventional wisdom.

[@BrotherHoodofTheDogxix]

Short and to the point. Thanks

[@Kankudai]

Outstanding, very helpful. Well done.

[@SailingVirgins]

Thanks @Kankudai! Feel free to subscribe, we release a new episode every two weeks. :)

[@CEOsario]

Another great job...thanks for sharing...

[@eljefe1153]

Easy piezy! Thanks for the video.

[@totesdev4363]

Great video, thanks 👌

[@traceyhutt1246]

Thanks am a beginner and appreciate the clear advice.

[@furrom152]

Man, making it look so easy!

[@georgioupeter]

So helpful, thanks!

[@ThompsonBMXbikes]

This will definitely help prepare me to pop my single hand alongside cherry.

[@NeilEwins]

Great vid. i decided to watch this has yesterday doing the dock leap to tie off I slipped and went between the boat. Luckily i grabbed the guard rail and pulled my self up with out getting wet. But lesson learned. I love the elephant ears and the loop, much safer thank you.

[@SailingVirgins]

Jeez Neil, glad to hear you're OK! Glad we can help.

[@nottoday611]

As about as good as it gets with the production and instruction. Keep it up! Subscribed:)

[@SailingVirgins]

Nick Evertsen thanks! This motivates us hugely.

[@ya2121]

I always hear comments like this in the voice of the actors on 'to catch a predator' when they read out the chat logs

[@koroskaforever]

Nice job!

[@bcbit01]

Great job. Just goes to show that, with some general logical knowledge, prior planning, and PATIENT operation under power letting the momentum do the work, otherwise edgy maneuvers can be done quite calmly and confidently. Best thing about this approach, very easy to abort and try again. But.....gotta learn to tie a cleat hitch. Ha. Nice boat. Nice job.

[@mgreen8391]

My wife and and have watched most of your 'how to videos' and we agree they're great. We really appreciate how you emphasis setup before execution. We've sailed a bit but we've learned a lot watching your video. Cheers.

[@SailingVirgins]

Great to hear!

[@birdinthebush]

I prefer to use my midship cleat with a line first. That will keep the boat controlled whilst I tie the for and aft lines

[@WillSoCal]

Thank you!

[@SoundzAlive1]

Hi Virgins and thanks for the great videos. I felt you could of mentioned the double handed coiled rope throw to capture the cleat on the dock as you are usually not at arms length especially in windy conditions. André from Sydney.

[@TimXXX1960]

These are good videos - well made and, as far as I can see, based on a high level of experience and skill. And great to see some old haunts. One thought - centre cleat would be better for single handed docking, especially when wind not conveniently on the nose.

[@sailing_life_]

Great video! Question: @2:20 you talk about how it is best to "cleat on a cleat". That seems like the only reasonable way to do it. How else would you tie to a cleat? a knot??

[@gjpenaloza]

Excelent video! I sail a smaller boat and I dock it very similar to what you've shown. My only concern is leaving the boat with the engine running, I rather prefer to do everything from onboard, spring and bow line, in a similar way to what you've shown for the stern line. Again, thanks for the great shots and explanations. In my opinion, preparation in advance makes 90% of a successful docking...

[@SailingVirgins]

Gonzalo Peñaloza thanks for your comments. Great if you have developed a method that works for you. Let us know if you have any suggestions for new episode topics! Cheers.

[@sailinginspire5771]

Siick as guys keep it up

[@SailingVirgins]

Sailing Inspire thanks

[@jtquinn3562]

Like a boss.

[@SailingVirgins]

[@Sailor49]

It`s easy in calm weather , but try this in strong wind and current !!!

[@SVImpavidus]

Whats your thoughts on the mid cleat first method. When we were in the UK with big tides, strong winds fast flows it was the only way we taught our peeps to moor to docks and maintain control. Sail Safe Ant & Cid xx

[@SailingVirgins]

Yes I agree Ant & Cid, when there's a decent tidal flow running, this method isn't effective, and you need to resort to mid-cleat method. The only bummer with that is it no longer becomes a single-handed method, as nobody I know is able to work the helm as well as jump to midships to deal with the cleat. In that case I'd set up with elephant-ears over the guardrails at midships, do a pass of the dock and see someone there can take a line, then come in. Or get the timing right on the tides so you can perform the maneuver when there is no flow. Hope that helps!

[@davidtotten6768]

@@SailingVirgins Hi guys. I've just bought a 34' cruiser and I am learning SO much from watching your brilliantly detailed videos (most I've watched several times over & will use them for crew training) - so a big thanks for starters! I am in N.W. UK so tide and wind are an issue here. I am very keen to learn about this single/spring line docking but have become a bit confused :/ Why is your method here not effective in less than ideal conditions? What difference to the boats behaviour if using a centre cleat instead? If using centre cleat, how long (relative to boat length) should the spring be? There's enough for another video here I think! ;) Thanks again guys. Please keep doing these (& tks Ant&Cid for your query on this one)

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

Easy in light wind. Nicely done with the drone! Should have also mentioned propwash. Guess this ship has a left turning prop.

[@SailingVirgins]

Thanks! Yes propwalk (as opposed to wash) can be a thing on some boats. This boat is saildrive, so propwalk is negligible. When propwalk isn't an issue (and even when it is) I prefer to use the momentum of the boat to help tuck us in.

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

Sailing Virgins ah, sorry, propwalk. I’m Dutch, so I’m doïng my best with the language. My prop turns left in forward. I do use propwalk when docking or sharp turning. Nice video! Will also check out the other ones!

[@bennyl7224]

Hey gents, unreal videos. Content and editing. Was just wondering what sort of ropes you’re using and what length. Appreciate the teaching style. Cheers

[@SailingVirgins]

Thanks for the love Ben! We have a 40' boat so here's what we like: 15m (45') lengths of 14-16mm (5/8") diameter line. The line needs to have a bit of elasticity and is easier to handle when it is supple, so we like double braided nylon core line, even though this is more expensive than the old three-strand that you see on many boats. We find 15m lengths are a great balance, as they are long enough to keep the boat on the dock but not too long that they get unruly. And when we need longer we just double-sheet-bend them together (here's how to tie a double sheet bend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWm5qWmjbdNnfJY). Hope that helps!

[@hoofixrman]

Love your vids...not too long and well made!

[@evanbetter]

the gods of the ‚wuota‘ - ye are! thanks!

[@erikwahlstrom976]

That was Level 1 - Elementary. The dock is empty with no other boats tied to it, the approach is upwind and the prop walk moves the stern to starboard as you reverse the engine, making it easy to step ashore. Now please give us a Level 2 video - Intermediate. You are for some reason forced to approach port side to the dock which makes your stern walk away from the dock when you reverse (that's the situation I have in my home marina). Lastly Level 3 - Advanced. There are already two boats at the dock and you have to tie up in the space between them. There is a brisk following breeze and your prop walk will force your stern away from the dock as you reverse. Now show us how to do it. My own advice would be: don't even try it. Anyway: the drone footage is superb.

[@johnlares1479]

I would love to see these advanced videos. These guys do a great job explaining.

[@CorinthiaBlade1889]

I’ve always done this with a midships line

[@SailingVirgins]

That can work with a two-handed alongside (and is recommended when tidal currents are running or it is very windy) but you need good control over your forward motion or you will dig your bow in. And as a single-hander, how to get to midships when you are in the cockpit?

[@islandlife4141]

Why not put a bowline in that bowline and just toss it over the cleat. I would never leave the vessel, your lines look great, but how boat if the cleat gives

[@christopherfranks478]

Sailing "virgins"...ties single handed cleat hitch in under 1.45 seconds. haha

[@sailingavocet]

lol

[@SailingPauHana]

What position was the rudder in when you were in gear and off of the boat?

[@SailingVirgins]

SAILING PAU HANA hi and thanks for the question! Rudder position is somewhat dependent on your boat and cleat position. It should always work with neutral rudder. In our experience on Libertas (a First 40) it pays to turn away from the dock a bit to straighten the boat out (ie to stop the bow pointing to the dock). We suggest trying neutral rudder and then refining it for your boat by playing with different rudder positions.

[@SailingPauHana]

Awesome..thank you. We will try it

[@derveltensail]

Why aren't you approaching with the stern against the wind?

[@SCBiscuit13]

I have a dumb question. Why putting the engine in gear instead of putting it in reverse after you got the first line in? The reverse would make the front go nearer to the shore and easier to knot to.

[@SailingVirgins]

Putting the engine in gear is essential. The stern line is tied to a cleat on shore. Think of that cleat as the center of a circle. With the engine in forward, the boat wants to turn around the circle. The only thing stopping it from doing so is the dock. What this means is that by having the boat in forward, you are keeping the boat tucked in close to the dock. More can be seen here: info.sailingvirgins.com/sailing-virgins-blog-dec2017/single-handed-alongside

[@SCBiscuit13]

@@SailingVirgins Ok I understand. I think I misunderstood something. You want the boat circling into the dock. So depending on which spring you have on first (rear or front) it's going to be in reverse or in 1st gear. Right?

[@ajmalmian3653]

Where are your fenders?

[@jayp.1455]

Thank you, but I didn't understand why leave it in gear?

[@matteo9158]

He leaves in gear because he is mixing ub techniques. When you are short on crew, and you want to dock alongside you can rig a mid ship line. When you are at the dock you put that mid ship line on shore and (when the line is properly secure) you can engage forward (just engage at minimum) and put rudder off the berth (in this case with the berth to stbd would be wheel to port or tiller to stbd). When the boat is in this position, it stays like that as long as the rudder is blocked in the correct position. When boat is stable you can step on shore and sort the other lines and springs out. When you are done, disengage forward and turn off the engine. Do not follow this guy, he made a couple of major mistakes (the angle of approach and the stern line first) in the easiest situation possible.

[@gavinratcliffe6201]

What stops the bow from moving away from the pontoon. ???

[@martijnb5887]

The forward throttle in combination with the stern line. Together the produce a torque that turns the boat to the pontoon. This works nicely unless with a lot of wind from the dock. In that case a line from a cleat half way the boat does the job. But many small boats don't have a cleat in the centre.

[@elsaklein3865]

Great video! The drone shots are awesome. I too do this but always take one of my hook poles with me in case of a wind gust mess up my dock plan, sometimes using the second pole from the bow to work the bow to the dock and bumpers before stepping out. Great job.