Tips for Easy Docking - Handling a New Boat

First in a new series we're producing about docking techniques and boat handling skills.
We all get pretty good at learning to handle our own boats over time, but if we step onto a friend's boat or take the helm on a bareboat charter yacht that we're unfamiliar with, we quickly remember that each boat has its own personality and quirky behaviour.
In Docking a Sailboat, we go over basic docking techniques demonstrating how to go bow-to a dock, as well as stern-to. But first we give you a few procedures to do to quickly get the feel of a boat that you are handling for the first time.
00:05 Snapping Turtle & Fall Colours
01:10 Boat characteristics that effect handling
02:15 Remove all lines except spring-line
02:50 Handling a twin-rudder sailboat
03:21 Learning how she maneuvers under power
03:54 How to turn a sailboat in a confined space
05:18 Backing in to a dock
08:07 Docking Bow-to for the first time

[@brunsonr]

This addresses one of the more stressful aspects of sailing. Would love to see more videos like this.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Noted! Thanks for your comment, brunsonr.

[@christiffer-barter947]

Please find time to produce more episodes similar to this, there are so many sailing channels that feel sometimes a little like im watching someone's holiday video, you have always been informative and for a newby wannabe sailor such as myself I find your how to vidoes a fantastic resource. Thank you to you both. Chris UK 🇬🇧

[@Nerd3927]

There are many "how to" videos on docking. They tend to show how skilled the demo skipper is, doing handbreak-turn-boat-parking and such. What are doing here is really practical, step by step and how I would *want* to do it! Excellent, very much appreciated!

[@rickplavidal1112]

Can’t get enough of these! Docking is my greatest fear!!! Thanks for also showing how relaxed the skipper should remain.

[@patricklaine6958]

Impressive control on an unfamiliar boat. Terrific demo.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Thanks so much, Patrick! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@alexcooke9805]

Yes he is very proficient at boat handling skills. He's a great teacher.

[@treecrusher]

This is impressive boat handling for a familiar boat😁

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Patrick how are you doing😊

[@KB-dc5sd]

Great video, would love to see more of this in slightly windy conditions

[@chrisbeckett5379]

I’m a new boat owner and maneuvering is tight places is still worrisome. This video had great tips. Please make more like this one.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Chris how are you doing😊

[@ChrisBashforth]

Great intro to marina handling. Love to see something with stronger cross winds and tides.

[@oaklandmax]

This "back and fill" turning maneuver is one one of the most fun and useful things I learned in sailing class.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Max how are you doing😊

[@garrym09]

Love the docking videos, as even the most experienced sailors can always use more tips and tricks for docking.

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

What gorgeous fall color! But yes, more of these videos!

[@DistantShoresTV]

You got it!

[@justwatcher01]

Will be interesting to see how to dock the boat in the slip with strong current

[@claussalt4140]

More please. Simple! We love from The Solent, UK. We miss you both...

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Claus how are you doing😊

[@paisa26100]

Keep'em coming, my wife and I need work in this area. Well done!

[@DistantShoresTV]

Thanks! Will do! The teamwork when docking with your mate can be very satisfying when you get the techniques down and establish a good system of communication, Robert. We look forward to seeing you on the water sometime.

[@ericmichau8922]

I love docking videos. Can never have enough. Thank you.

[@elefja1]

I'm a new boat owner, got a Hunter 33 and when I picked it up from the previous owner it was my first time docking any boat... I was sweating bullets but thankfully only bumped the bow in the slip at low speed. Getting better each time I go out. Next step is reversing in, this video helped me understand better, thanks!

[@ObsidianXero]

You guys make it look sooo easy to dock, especially the first time... Well done kodus... Like magic...

[@ellenelliott9377]

Yes. Dealing with prop walk has been a challenge for us, learning to handle our new-to-us canoe stern boat.

[@ericshayer]

Please do more. Very comprehensive and well done.

[@alexcooke9805]

Always try to feel the boat through my feet when I get on a boat to figure out how it's going to react. Like becoming one with the boat.Glad to see you're doing great. God bless you all, be safe.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Love that, Alex! Great tip! Thanks for your kind words.

[@tartansailor]

I find that a mid ship cleat and a spring line does help a lot in docking. You could make a video on that technique alone, I am sure many would learn from it. Cheers, Richard

[@mikedonnanancy5436]

yes, i really like boat handling videos like this one. the overhead drone shots were helpful as were the graphics on the lines. good job, this is what i want to see. a lot of crazy stuff around the docks and slip and would love any videos with tips and guidance.

[@SVImpavidus]

Thank you! Someone promoting the mid cleat warp first!!! Be nice to see the contrast of single rudder and vectored thrust over it. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

[@neleabels]

I like the way how calm and deliberate you handle the boat. You take your time. That's the point where many beginners get into trouble - too much thrust, too much counterthrust, oversteering, panic ensues.

[@327365hp]

Nicely done! No matter how much experience you have, docking is always a challenge.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Very true!

[@dustinschnabelzoefarms6489]

For sure more. Addressing the difference in which way to turn the wheel in reverse vs a tiller is something that a lot of new boaters don’t know.

[@meestahwah]

I'd like to see the spring line tricks used for rotating a boat against the wind off a dock. I've used them a few times but not often enough to have them fresh. Thanks for figuring out how to create content when you're away from the boat.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Great suggestion! Thanks.

[@robertneild3772]

excellent demo! keep'em coming!

[@fahredinajrus8104]

Nice, calm explanation. No stress no panic. Never enough of docking videos. Great job, keep recording.

[@Lannie1948]

Great video Paul and Sheryl! Love the view of the snapping turtle and your canoe. Great instructional video.

[@milesbuckhurst504]

This is a great video. We have watched it (and an earlier Southampton one) several times. Using a midships spring every time (almost) makes life so much better and yet so many KZbin sailors don’t know about this. Practice is the only true way to learn something. But familiarity by watching and rewatching techniques is a safe (thus potentially cheaper) add-on. It would be fantastic to get more such videos as I am always learning new methods and if not new, a good reminder when stress hits and the mind goes to the nearest memory. Thanks for these and please make more ;-)

[@DistantShoresTV]

Miles, thanks so much for the positive feedback! So glad this docking video was helpful. We'll be doing more "how-to" docking videos in the future.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello how are you doing😊

[@jacksprat3009]

You handled the boat carefully and smoothly. Also noted the easy, in time, communication between you and your 1st mate.

[@scyz2807]

I will tell you that I would LOVE a video on single handed docking. To add a bit, I have a small 6 meter "pocket yacht" (Canadian built Paceship P2-20) and my power source is a 4 hp Evenrude outboard. I trailer my boat to the launch site and after putting her in I always turn her around so she is facing the lake. The positioning would be just like your first example here. But being single handed means I have to undo the lines at basically the same time as I start the outboard. This can be VERY tricky. Plus, if the wind is blowing into the launch area my boat can be blown sideways toward obstacles before I can get to the tiller and accelerate the motor. I know you guys are used to bigger sailboats but there are probably a number of us out here with smaller boats. A smaller percentage put their boats in every time they sail. And an even smaller percentage have to do it single handed. But demonstrating how to handle the MOST complicated undocking and docking procedure would probably answer lots of people's questions regarding small sailboat handling. BTW - I have always found that coming in to dock is sooooo much easier. I can often do it with nothing more than wind power. Scott W PS- That was one BIG snapping turtle!

[@sk4256]

I really enjoy your how to videos. The experience you both have commands my attention, and the simple straight forward dialogue makes it easier to understand. Thanks! SK in the UK.

[@ericfleming5522]

Super helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@georgeramirez7525]

its always nice to learn something new

[@steedharold]

More videos like this please. Reverse docking into a narrow slip is what I'm faced with on every return to our club. It's an adventure every single time. Thanks!

[@johnathonm.2278]

Thank you for posting this video!

[@EstherCooke]

Always great to learn little tricks...thanks!

[@mikec6868]

Very nice video! I would love to see more! The drone footage was great! Thank you!

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Mike how are you doing😊

[@daveberquist2593]

Getting a "new to me" Menger 19 catboat soon to replace my CD Typhoon Senior and this was right on target! Thanks

[@bophoto]

Paul LOVE this video.. watched it 5 times already. LOL you gonna laugh - was fully certified for commercial skipper in the eighties.. just picked up a 30 footer to get some trainingwheels and hate docking now.. Going to go spend the day in-out of the slip until the dock master tells me to knock it off. nothing like repetition to refine rusty moves.. LOL more of the painful basics please.

[@ianmac86]

Another great informational video. Thank you

[@popsoldboats3406]

It really helped me to explain to my son, how the pull of the prop and delay of the rudder to act until pressure is agaisnt the rudder. That drone footage really helps see the reaction of the vessel.

[@catherinehackett7722]

Good demonstration, very helpful!

[@davidshorrock6471]

Excellent tips. Great refresher. I will look for other videos where you share your experience.

[@wesailwillow]

Thank you and what a lovely part of the world. The colours in the trees are stunning.

[@jefftilghman9059]

This was very helpful! More like this please.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Jeff how are you doing😊

[@AhmetSenoglu73]

Fantastic video.

[@nancywelch5231]

Good reminder points for unfamiliar boats. Please do more.

[@wojtekkawczynski2159]

Definitely more videos like this. Fun to see you guys on different boats.

[@h.v7461]

Absolutely enjoy your how-to videos. One always picks up a lesson or two. Thanks! Cheers 🍻

[@micalgoldzweig1049]

Great video!

[@debbiewyler4048]

Found twin rudder little more challenging. No real prop wash. Enjoyed the video.

[@mrickling]

Definitely helpful - thanks!

[@cindyrodger4867]

Very helpful video!

[@rosswilliams7852]

The quality of your video gear is excellent . Very useful tips for me as I am a new skipper .

[@udothiel8009]

Great video, thanks! A spring line is single handers best friend. I use it every time when docking, with a block close behind the pivot point and led back to a winch next to the tiller.

[@bradsepp1535]

Great video, please do more like this!

[@makeyourown100]

Lovely video, thank you. We are about to start our blue water chapter, having spent a couple years lake sailing. This video really helps to visualise the theory before we give it a go ourselves. And, as many others have said, you are in a beautiful part of the world.

[@goofy4birds]

I’m trying to learn how to dock my new to me sailboat solo. Very helpful to see how the spring line can be used to help. Thanks

[@chicoastro1]

Great video, as always. Can't go wrong with more docking videos under different circumstances. Thanks!

[@anvilhead59]

Thank you so much for some very practical instruction. One aspect of learning to sail that I have not yet seen done so elegantly.

[@trumancertitude5185]

Really good and taught me about my own „stern kick to port“ on my Hanse. Should have realised bows in port side to, will be easier....very helpful. Thank you.

[@thomasrohn9652]

very professional!

[@zaddict555]

Enjoyed the video, have to admit, the drone shot from above made me gasp when seeing the under water rocks so close to you. Good stuff, keep it up!

[@antknee8695]

Helpful. Thanks!

[@kevinbright1]

Nice video. Very well explained.

[@glimmer289]

Thank you so much for this, very helpful--especially prop direction and turning. My issue with any boat, is where we launch: the Ogeechee River in Ga. Beside endless possibilities to run aground, the river is fast moving, and unless we time it to go out, or return, at slack tide, we live in fear of hitting rocks near to either our marina entrance or the public boat ramp. I'm just returning to a sail boat and restoring a MacGregor 19'. I am currently ensuring she is sea worthy as a motor sailor first, before putting the mast and running gear back on board. So, learning to maneuver her is now! Again, thanks for the video.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello John how are you doing😊

[@lorimollymay]

Yes, great video. Let's see more like it!

[@vinniemontrealangler]

This is so great. Yes please do more. They.are jewel to watch. A great education. Just got to say "Slow is pro" As I tell a new guy at the launch. Stay safe and Thank you!

[@michaelwilke4526]

Very well explained. I like the use of the spring. It seems to make things pretty easy. I just bought a 15m Aluminiumship 4 months ago and she is nothing like my 11m Jeanneau I had before. My wife and I made good experiences with using midship springs for docking. Excellent video. Please do more of those

[@markjames8564]

Wonderful. More docking please :)

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Mark how are you doing😊

[@sebastiengiard4521]

Hi! Great video as usual. But even greater as it is highly hands-on and full of tips! I would appreciate other videos like that about releasing sequence of bow/stern/spring lines; also about buoying. Take care both!

[@sailingalearningcurve]

Good info, thanks

[@Markdeloose]

Great video. Keep them coming!

[@DistantShoresTV]

Will do, Mark!

[@rexanddonnaboyd]

Good information. Please keep the instructional videos coming! Looking forward to your next season, as well.

[@eyallevi63]

Professional explanation & demonstration. for me it was nice to see teamwork !! very important. ☯️

[@paulnicholls2921]

More like this please guys.

[@lhaakmeester]

Great video, more please

[@jeremysmith9898]

Thank you so much for the tips. You two are completely professional. me and my wife are looking forward to hanging up our hats on our motorhome diesel pusher and hitting the water in a few years.

[@tallbikercat]

I'd like to see a docking video about reversing a full keel boat with a stern hung rudder. A different beast entirely.

[@kicknit79]

Thanks, keep them coming.

[@donwilson1061]

yes, more like this!!! very helpful

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Don how are you doing😊

[@eirik191movinkel]

So helpfull these videos. You guys are so informative and pleasant to watch. My favourite sailing channel on youtube :) Keep up the great work. Would love more of there handling videos. Love from Eirik, Norway.

[@davidpearson2581]

Thanks for the reinforcement, it was a great reminder of what I have learned earlier this month. I just complete my ASA 101/103 on a Catalina 445. Plan on doing the 104/106 next spring.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Wonderful!

[@RPDCH1]

Very helpful......thank you.

[@SVPythagoras]

Thank you Sheryl & Paul. This is really helpful to me and I’m sure many others. Dreaming of a trip aboard your new boat in the Pacific with my wife. Take care for now.

[@mentonish]

You make it look so easy

[@jolimorgan4822]

Great lesson - so nice when you know how. Having coffee here in Bethel, Alaska, and thinking of you two. For a while I had a 15' West Wright Potter here on the Kuskokwim River. Great sailing down river, and fun sailing up river. Take Care!

[@davidkelly5968]

Definitely would like more videos like this one.

[@internetbrainvideo]

Yes more, very useful.

[@tkjokester]

Helpful!

[@bake162]

Nicely done, thanks

[@DistantShoresTV]

No problem 👍

[@goofy4birds]

Love teaching videos

[@stevebragg2454]

Écho others. Nicely done. Makes me want to go to the dock tomorrow and practice. Good to see you in your homeland, but hope you get back to Distant Shores soon.

[@allysonhanks9159]

Hello Steve how are you doing😊

[@mikeriley6073]

Well presented video. Many thanks.

[@DistantShoresTV]

So glad you enjoyed this video, Mike. Thanks for your comment.

[@alangould6602]

The "how to" videos are great. They are very helpful and I enjoy them as much as the cruising life variety.

[@luceebucee5315]

Liked the video. Would like to see more of videos like this, maybe with wind. We live in Croatia so many Bora wind unpredictable gusts situations while docking, as you have experienced I think... Also instructions on anchoring in relatively high wind situations in somewhat crowded anchorage would be really helpful from so experienced sailors like you two.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Very well shot with the added drone video footage that really added to the demonstration. The explanation of prop walk is something most other video creators seem to leave out of similar content. We have the opposite prop rotation which I think is much more uncommon. Most sailboats tend to favor docking on the port side and we often get dockhands advising us to do so and sometimes other unhelpful advice assuming handling characteristics of our boat that are not correct. I've sailed and docked perhaps a dozen other boats before we bought our Rasmus and it is by far the most challenging sailboat I've ever experienced in tight docking manuevers. I would love to see another video using spring lines.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Thanks for your thoughtful and informative comment. We hadn't thought of the challenge of having the opposite prop rotation with regards to docking at marinas where they assume you have the more common prop walk. Good point.