The Truth About Docking in the Age of Sail

[@lucforand8527]

I once docked at the marina in Dundee in West Bay of the Bras d'Or Lakes without power. Why we had no engine is another story. We has a 40 ft wooden sailboat of about 10 tons with a 50 ft mast and 30 ft boom. It took a lot of wind to make her move; but out on the ocean she could handle the weather. Her name was Sinbad. Thankfully after a stormy night, the sky cleared around midnight, the wind died and the moon came out. We had planned to just drop anchor; however, the wind was just right such that we could glide into the main dock. At the end our main sail was almost at ninety degrees so as to let almost all the wind out of the sail such that we kept enough intertia for steerage (a 10 ton boat has lots of inertia and we had no reverse). Once close enough to the wharf, my father hopped on the wharf with a line to bring us to a stop and the sail was let out completely. I was on the tiller, yes the boat had a tiller, no wheel on this vintage ship from the 1930's; she was all teak and mahogany.

[@bluelobstertales]

Wow! Sinbad sounds like an incredible vintage sailboat! She must have been beautiful! And what a wonderful memory with your father. It would have been something to behold, that classic sailboat gliding in to the marina like that! We have definitely not mastered the art of docking under sail, but have found that despite our smaller, more modern design, Blue wants to keep putting along whether the engine is going or not.

[@Biavf97]

this video was very informative, it answered the question i was curious about and it was also cute ❤ i loved the “beep beep! coming through!”

[@bluelobstertales]

We’re so glad you found it helpful and that you enjoyed the lightheartedness too! :) Thanks for watching!

[@Quick-Silver206]

This was a cool chill video. I definitely subbed!

[@bluelobstertales]

And we are definitely happy that you did! :)

[@tomclifton3920]

Fascinating!!! Once more, a look at an obscure (but interesting) topic. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@bluelobstertales]

Thanks for the kind note, Tom! So happy you enjoyed the topic and video! :)

[@campfirecult4375]

Thank you. I'm working on a Tallship painting and was having trouble finding anything on such ships entering port with resources available at the time. 🔥

[@bluelobstertales]

So glad you found it helpful! Sounds like you’re working on a great project! :)

[@jackchen5290]

Love this video and learning about history of sailing!

[@bluelobstertales]

Thanks so much! We loved your video on departing and docking under sail!

[@shortwidgets]

I hit a lot of boats in my last sailboat. I got a center cockpit now and the bow is right there! So much easier.

[@bluelobstertales]

We've noticed that a marina can be a lot like bumper cars... I'm sure a center cockpit really makes a difference with line of sight? :)

[@elinicfurniture6860]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@bluelobstertales]

We're so glad you found it interesting! :)

[@enzomillman3016]

Great video

[@bluelobstertales]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun to make! :)

[@tyzardoz]

I have a 34ft Steel schooner (sailed out of Baddeck late last August Azores, Canarys.. Cape Verde now Barbados) practice. Practice practice practice.. Docking will get easier, I'm OK docking my schooner with its 6ft bowsprit.. I admit I still feel anxiety when docking... I'm 13 tons of steel.. If I touch a plastic boat by accident is likely going to cost me.. A LOT. My first time med style docking was freaking terrifying tho everyone said I did great. I will never med style dock this full keel girl ever again if I can help it

[@bluelobstertales]

Sounds like a great adventure! We might have been in the same area at the same time! We definitely had more confidence docking by the end of the season... but we're also looking forward to a little more time on anchor/mooring ball to escape those marina crowds. :)

[@DougallMcCorkle]

How to dock a big boat: Go Slow/ Aim Cheap

[@bluelobstertales]

You know, a few boaters near us have said almost the identical thing about docking! :)

[@fisho2620]

i was taught not to coil Lines like that. loaded weapon. rip you arm off. FYI

[@bluelobstertales]

Oh yes, you are not the first to notice that! We have since corrected our technique, but still find our lines can end up in a heap of knots! :)