How To Handle A Boat In Strong Winds

Windy conditions have caught out many a boater, including this one! Here are a few hints and tips for strong wind boating.
Sponsored by: www.boatsandyachtswarranty.com
In association with:
www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
www.tempest4cars.co.uk
www.intelligentmoney.com
www.yacht-solutions.co.uk
With thanks to www.princess.co.uk
/ aquaholicnick
/ burnhamnick
/ aquaholicnick
Read my online articles for MBY at www.mby.com/author/nickburnham
See more of my videos on the MBY KZbin channel: / ybwtv

[@maxromain8280]

Please do a video on VHF and how to use it etc

[@samjones3771]

c'mon guys!! How does Nick ONLY have 208K subscribers!!!!!!! We NEED to up our game!

[@gsmith207]

That’s what we call white knuckle maneuvering in Maine! Love the lesson Nick! Love Maryann too she is so funny and a great helper for sure!

[@IsThisAvailable550]

Nice to see actual boating (with me not having a boat) 😊

[@paul52eccles]

My father was a Quartermaster on big ships ending up on cross channel ferries and as a kid went to work with him in holidays and he always said, let the wind, tide and current do all the work ... great video again, even the Star Trek reference.

[@oneworldman0]

most yacht tour people are all serious and stuff like that, but you are so happy and funny! keep up the great work!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks! Will do!

[@josephfrainetti9280]

Captain Nick at his best. Thank you.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You're welcome :)

[@dnmurphy48]

Very interesting but also very informative. Thank you.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@The_Real_Zaineman]

Almost 2am & I'm watching Nick Masterfully dock his boat. Time well spent. Thanks for the vid Nick !

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks for watching, Dan. :)

[@salmane163]

omg i cant wait for another video already i've watched every single video on your channel...love from morocco

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Awesome, hey there Morocco!

[@jandefabs1]

Best docking video I have ever seen, most videos show how to moor up in still water with no tide , most people wouldn't dare go out in that wind , we had years in pwllheli marina in our similar size boat with no bow thruster and got in some serious trouble in the early days

[@AQUAHOLIC]

It's easily done

[@hossamalgewely1]

Holding your boat sideways against the wind with few nudges back and forth was just a true example of seamanship, thumbs up.

[@HarveyPaul007]

I was glued to the screen. The boat was like a side walking 🦀

[@legin999]

Excellent example of the merits of a slow approach, assessing the situation and planning accordingly . The references to small movements, minimum throttle and don't panic are invaluable.

[@chrish2996]

Hi Nick and Marianne. Another great video. Wind and tide can affect movement in close quarters especially in low speed. Masterfully done berthing in those conditions Skipper.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you! :)

[@mauriebarnes8272]

I've had a few close calls with crosswinds at boat ramps and that was not in an 8m boat which can really get away from you if not careful. Loved the video, it's 'almost' like being there. You have a great rig! Enjoy the fish and chips! Fantastic channel!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you! :)

[@120Livi]

just watching you drift in the marina and i could feel my stress levels rising!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

It's fine provided you make sure you've got room downwind of you

[@cabzombie3484]

That was a delightful expose of boating etiquette. Certainly better than being yelled at by my dad while trying my best !

[@twinsonic]

Tell me about..hahaha

[@trumpstinyhands]

I am impervious to abuse, I used to hold a torch for my dad 🤣

[@nosellasta6121]

thats how i learned😅

[@williefreund650]

Probably the main reason I have not bought a boat yet - yelled at too many a time. Would hate for my kids to one day say the same thing...

[@nosellasta6121]

@@williefreund650 well i think its one of the best way to learn. i mean wont make the same mistakes never again

[@jerryjungle5717]

Nice to see you enjoying yourself. Enjoy your trip.

[@connorbegley8464]

As you said Nick always be making slight adjustments in tight quarters. That’s some of the best advice for new boaters. You never want to panic and hit the throttle too hard.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Absolutely

[@2sbyc]

Impressed by how calm and polite you are. That’s wonderful.

[@bedclintred]

Nick you made that docking look so easy, that's years of practice!! Great video it just goes to show you need to know how to handle a boat before you splash the cash!!

[@ocoffman]

Good video showed the importances of taking it slowly and not rushing, when most of the accidents happen.

[@siegfriedwegmann5821]

Nice explanations. See you tomorrow 👍

[@roberthennel]

Did my practical part of the test in similar conditions, was fun, actually helped be with docking, all I had to do was slow the boat down

[@rasferrastfarian739]

Thank you Nick for sharing for boating adventures with us - welcome back Marianne! Have a lovely evening!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you! You too!

[@mickeyj71hp]

Another great video Nick. I love the way that you and Marianne interact. It is so refreshing to see couples in love.

[@TradeWindgng]

Excellent maneuvers and judgements captain 👌👏👏

[@philipmason3218]

Super video, first class demo on how to park the boat, very interesting, thanks.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Baranoeda]

Completely excellent video and description. Love that boating in England and Sweden is so similar, when it comes to giving a helping hand (I guess it is everywhere). Most important thing in winds is to prepare lines and fenders well ahead, always keep options open (don't end up in a non-maneuverable spot), and keep calm. You did all of it perfect while explaining at the same time!

[@mattlincoln9565]

Nick your a very dedicated KZbinr and it is appreciated by your viewers. Thanks

[@AQUAHOLIC]

My pleasure!

[@MikeM0XMX]

Really good vid. Wind was always my biggest stress. Best lesson I was taught which you mentioned was "Points of danger and points of safety"

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Absolutely. Important to allow yourself plenty of room downwind

[@MrCherrybottom]

That was a great docking. Smooth and cool. I never cruised sideways like that. Enjoyed it very much Park City Utah.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Hey there Park City Utah! :)

[@herberttheaustina3550]

I have A 13 meter sailboat in Brixham and I do think that a lot of people on the marina could benefit from this video

[@donteatthebread]

Lovely vid thanks Nick! A very different person from your soulful walks down the coast!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheDarkrelic]

How to handle big waves would be another good vid 👍🏻

[@coleslaw9734]

Been watching your videos for months now and have really enjoyed them. You seriously have me considering selling my camper / caravan and getting a larger bought that I can spend a few nights in, lol.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Go for it!

[@keithhilton1564]

Beautiful welcome back Marianne , been to Ireland Lol come on nick.

[@littleskiboy7]

Great tips and tricks! I always get nervous docking, especially in high wind! Thanks nick, really enjoyed it!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Happy to help!

[@leecunningham3549]

I don't have a boat but I am completely addicted to your content. Thank you so much for the sterling work you do. Take care. Lee

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you like them! 🙂

[@Andrew279144]

Great video - Novice boater here. I learned a lot!

[@Dockenneson43]

When I was younger, our family had a boat. That’s very true, at a marina, folks would jump up to help get a boat docked, especially in rough weather! That the boating community! ❤

[@dalefountain1903]

Hi Nick, very interesting I enjoyed seeing how manage your boat. Take care!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks, you too!

[@steveSmith-pd4st]

Excellent! Another 'personal video', I really enjoy these. Great work Nick, thanks.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you like them! Part Two of this trip is tomorrow.

[@steveSmith-pd4st]

@@AQUAHOLIC 👍

[@MrArchie800]

Ah that's experience for you! As a novice it's very difficult not to panic and over-egg things in these conditions (like I usually do)

[@bobuncle8704]

I think there’s more than a few people who could learn basically boat handling from this video. Just take your time, and go with the flow. But..if everyone learned how to do that we would lose so many fun videos

[@SirPrancelot1]

Excellent advice. Probably a good ides to get plenty of practice on a small boat in windy conditions before moving up in size.

[@hjartvard5368]

Just looking at this for some tips for when I might join the coast guard in a week where the Captain said I'll be allowed to operate their Jet powered Rescue boats to practice, so this stuff helps but it's much easier with the jet powered boats so it'll be different going to a propeller boat after that. The Rescue boat goes about 40 knots and goes from 40 to 0 in 2 seconds if you put it in reverse it's an amazing piece of equipment. You did a great job at handling that wind

[@adrianmills9978]

Informative video Nick. I liked these as much as the reviews... Yes to the VHF video, it’s been 15years since I completed mine. Bravo..!

[@tmmtqoe]

Love this with your S.O. in this video! She's a wonderful addition to your channel. ❤️🥰

[@vajindertaak3158]

I can't get any work done because of your videos!! Great informative videos, you make us all feel welcome and part of your journey.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@2490debrick]

Awesome video, lovely little boat, and you have the boss on board too which made it extra noice...

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you like it!

[@gervers]

You make it look so easy! Great seamanship! Very smooth docking and so logical when you explain it.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Many thanks!

[@paulwelsh2598]

Excellent video Nick, great helmanship. I only wish 10 years ago when I was boating a 28' that I had used you tube for hints and help. I went from a motor cruiser to a 37' sailing cruiser and actually found it easier to berth probably the large rudder helped a lot.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Sailboats get blown around a lot less due to the huge keel under them. Fast motorboats have very little under the water.

[@wesleyfoster3545]

Very cute couple, super informative with simple layman terms and some new lingo that I've learnt (lea of the land) and have now stored for when I next go out. Great camera operation too. Thanks Nick, keep 'em coming!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Love your little Janneau Great 👍🏻 Thanks for taking us along, Sharing is Caring. Great to see Marianne back with you 💋💋 👍🏻

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Nick it was excellent, looking forward to a sequel if there is one. 👍🏻🤘🏻👍🏻

[@AQUAHOLIC]

@@Yorkshiremadmick Tomorrow!!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

YAY Nick, that’s the difference between you and the other guy, who we won’t mention. You’re great a presentation and great at interaction. Never had any interesting interactions from him. 👍🏻🙁🙁🙁

[@AQUAHOLIC]

@@Yorkshiremadmick Wait, there's another guy..!? 😲

[@bahenbihen]

Very good video, please continue making educational content as it helps many of us out. Tight marina maneuvering can be frustrating at times, but I've learned to appreciate such challenges and it can also be a very fun learning experience. The only thing that gets me anxious is when going refueling alone in peak time at cramped gas stations, not much fun

[@debbiejudd4933]

Hey Nick and Maryann looking good. Love these vlogs with info on how to handle a boat. Love from Canada. Stay safe.... Ps love the hair Maryann

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks 👍

[@jackirichard414]

Have a safe blessed day! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@strider6920]

Great navigation of the African Queen by Catherine and Humphrey, and not a single leech in site 😉. Great control Nick in windy conditions. You both have so much fun 😊

[@steve345]

Its always entertaining watching some people at a boat ramp either launching their boat or loading it in the wind....sometimes frustrating if you’re out there waiting on the water .

[@rumanuu]

Yep you always get more people watching the ramp in windy conditions than in calm conditions. More entertaining :D

[@maxnex7676]

I was going to write something funny about handling boat with strong wind and Alka Seltzer but after watching Nick handle the docking all I can write is compliments on doing a fine job.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Awesome, thank you :)

[@cgee3999]

Fantastic Aquahollic. Just finished my powerboating level 2course today and loved your approach to the dock into the wind. loved how you used the wind to your advantage. More of these how to videos please👍

[@davidfmelbourne3473]

Nick, you could easily do an entire channel on boat handling. The best line, and one I was taught early, was 'Small movements;. I have far too often seen people apply too much power without a feeling for what the wind is actually doing to you. Far better to let the boat drift a bit (as you did) to get a feel for effect before applying power. Good choice of deckhand by the way. Hope the fish and chips are well worth it.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you. They were delicious! :)

[@jloiterer]

I know your big expensive yacht videos get more views, but I love these videos of you using your boat. I'm curious what Smuggler's Blues 3 is gonna look like - but Smuggler's Blues 2 is just an absolutely awesome boat.

[@georgepittarokoilis1381]

these tutorial videos are very nice keep up the good work

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks, will do!

[@simonwarbey2390]

Great video demonstrating that you don't need to rush. Take your time, assess the conditions and plan how you are going to get to your berth.

[@davidlockwood9192]

Great vid again. Great example of boat handling in windy conditions, also on how to be a great skipper explaining to your crew on what’s going on so it all goes nicely to plan!

[@oliverfrey7511]

Nick, thanks for the very instructive video. Very interesting. One thing: you really need one of these fluffy anti wind things for your mic, really annoying sound.

[@johnspecht72]

Excellent video with top notch boating information and Maryanne to boot!

[@newqer]

There's so many things i don't know about boating. Things that are important to know when considering if this hobby is something for me. So i really enjoy this little lessons and insights! Very helpful.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

No problem! (And of course it's something for you! 😃)

[@breakingtoast2255]

What a team very well done and nicely shown Nick and Marieane

[@gregmcmullen6698]

Thanks again, Nick. Looks like an empty spot at the table, I'll be right over !

[@dronertom]

Well done Nick, thank you for all your content, it’s always very complete and informative!!! Keep them coming, cheers!!!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks, will do!

[@doubletee5250]

Love Brixham. I can highly recommend the crab rolls at 'Claws' on the harbour.

[@tonygriffiths2485]

That looked like it could have got a lot more difficult, especially if there was less space and a stronger wind. Something I have never thoughtof as a problem. Thanks for pointing this out. There must be loads of folks being inspired by you, and this is yet another gem of information given. No change there then, you lovely :)

[@9NGAZ9]

and thats how you park your yacht like a boss , nice vids :)

[@chriswelch9418]

Love these personal vids, awesome beach for waterskiing, extremely sheltered so that was a blast from the past 👍🏻 Great to see how you handle moody blues 2, very informative and for old and new owners.... love the Irish ☘️ and French at the end 🤣, you two are brilliant together 👍🏻❤️ Looking forward to next Install 😊

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it, second half of this little trip tomorrow! :)

[@googlevoicer]

Are we trying to subliminally suggest a change of name to "Smuggler's Blues 2" ? 🤭😉

[@Dietchipsthefiddler]

Can you please do some videos on late 1980s early 1990s princess 38/40s Your videos are very good and you come across a true genuine guy Keep the videos coming👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

There's a 90s Princess 430 on the channel

[@ianyoung9837]

Excellent video, I love the boat handling videos. I remember having a 60 foot canal boat, in a tight marina with strong cross winds. Great 'fun'.

[@snv648]

Love Marianne's new do!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Au naturale!

[@puzzler46]

Glad to see Marianne is back - great lesson on wind control. I really enjoy your Smuggler's Blues videos as well as the yacht tours. Thank you

[@AQUAHOLIC]

She sure is good with that wind control! 😄

[@brianmckechnie6430]

Great advice and boat handling skills Nick. Due to sit my MCA test on windermere and we get a lot of wind on the lake lol

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Good luck!

[@cookiemonster2299]

Yep, a couple weeks ago I watched a 30 foot cabin try a similar manoeuvre with strong tide and brisk breeze blowing away from his berth, came in with plenty of gusto and I thought wow they look keen and swung his boat into his berth using the tender on the back of his boat to bounce off the boat on the opposite side of his berth and basically bounced the bow, stern of the berth until his passenger was close enough to jump off with ropes. Nothing like as careful as you were there. Hope he's watching so as to learn to slow down lol. 👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Well, I can't say that's a manoeuvre I've ever tried..! 😄

[@morri03]

It is harder when the wind is blowing you off. In that case you unfortunately often have to use a bit of speed to maintain control otherwise the bow blows off before you reach the berth. Still no need to bounce off other boats!

[@cookiemonster2299]

@@morri03 fair enough👍

[@VisionAssoc]

Looks great fun....I’ve always wanted a boat...My Dad had a sailing yacht many years ago, I can remember it being moored in front of the Jolly Sailor pub and sailing up the Solent. Over 45years ago now, haha...Great channel thanks for sharing 😊👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Blaster53]

It is so great to see you happy with everything around you You are such a positive person that you influence everyone in hour vicinity including us your subscribers just from watching you. Best of luck to you Nick and your lovely lady Marion.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You are very kind :)

[@chrisc395]

Another most excellent video where I learned something. Glad you got to sail with your love too!!

[@haccuk]

Excellent video thank you. Pretty well handled. Certainly makes you realise how wind affects a boat

[@BuddhaAfterDark]

Making it look easy Nick! Love these videos and I cannot wait until you have a nice little Princess and make an entire TV special out of it. :D

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Maybe one day!

[@sueriansean]

Another great video. Welcome back Marianne and LOVE that you’re rocking those beautiful silver curls. We’ve earned those stripes:)) Bravo!❤️

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you! :)

[@sueriansean]

Marianne McHugh Me too. I transitioned last year. Elated, not having to color my roots every 3 weeks:) I promise...it only gets better!

[@kieranharriman7055]

Great instructional video Nick and Marianne. I would of took out most of the moored boats 😀. The idea of fish and chips on a boat is great! Enjoy.

[@markbradley7505]

I loved this,,i like the yacht tours but when you show us how things work i think its awsome

[@respectbossmon]

Ahoy, Nick! I love it when First Mate Marianne (sp?) joins you for these fun and, as always, informative vids.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Awesome, thank you!

[@garygibson416]

As always, great video, good fun and informative. Love it

[@dacutler]

Crosswind on the canals with a 55 feet plus long boat is the thing that catches people out very easily. Canals are narrow and to keep a straight heading you need to drive at a high angle to the wind to stop being pushed to the downwind bank from which it's very difficult indeed to recover.

[@malcolmmcgougan8372]

Well done. Very relaxed given challenging wind conditions!

[@jwebb3337]

Mad skills, Captain! Love this! Great seeing you and Marianne on another adventure!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johningham4942]

I have had a few problems with the wind on trips to the channel islands, but every day is an experience. I enjoy watching your "how to" videos as I am picking up valuable tips and experience thank you nick!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you like them!

[@canadadan4437]

Well done Nick thanks for sharing this 👍🇨🇦

[@AQUAHOLIC]

No problem 👍

[@abuhamza1970]

Another great vid, thanks for taking us through this difficult process, I felt as if I was on the boat with you. I guess this where having those joystick controls really come in handy especially on a really large boat? Would love to see one of those beauties in action. 😀