Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

Docking Theory & Practice

by Brent Alley 31 Mar 2023 11:43 PDT
Reed Point Marina slips © Bluewater Cruising Association

  • Esquimalt Recreation Centre, Senior Centre Room
  • 15 Apr 2023 1300h - 1700h to 13 May 2023 1300h - 1700h
  • Members $85 / Non-Members $110
  • Brent Alley, VI Education Watchkeeper
Do you find some docking conditions challenging? Whether you are a single-handed sailor, an inexperienced crew or a confident helmsman, you will grow new skills and turn your boat handling and communication from stress to success.

Learn the theory and interaction of propellers, keels, and rudders and how to manage docking in wind and current. This unique, three-part course for sailors and powerboaters includes classroom theory, practice-on-your-own time, and a follow-up class.

Part 1: Saturday April 15, 1:00pm - 5:00 pm, at Esquimalt Recreation Centre, Senior Centre Room

The first classroom session will review the principles of docking and provide best practices, tips and techniques to get your boat on and off the dock efficiently and safely.

Topics include:

  • setting up docking procedures and roles that lead to consistent and effective teamwork and success
  • communication systems that work
  • effective use of engine power and why confidence is so important to docking
  • docking with just one line - the mid-ship line - how to set it up and use it
  • fenders - getting the right size and position to assist procedures
  • maneuvering and backing down in tight spaces - effective combination of rudder and power
  • safety while docking
Participants will complete a worksheet that translates the general information to specific application on their boat. We will then review and discuss the key challenges associated with docking each participant's boat. Based on the worksheet, and discussion, participants will develop a practice plan for their boat. The practice plan will address the key challenges and outline what to practice to build skill and confidence.

Part 2: April 16 - May 12

Practice on your boat - four weeks to apply the worksheet and practice plan from the classroom and hone procedures that work for your boat. Since the weather will hopefully be good during this time, but fewer boats on the water than during the summer, there will likely be good opportunities to practice at places like Sidney Spit as well as your own dock. Rick will be available for consultation during this time.

Part 3: Saturday May 13, 1:00pm - 5:00 pm, at Esquimalt Recreation Centre, Senior Centre Room

The second classroom session will review your practice and what you learned about your boat and yourself, what worked and what didn't, and include a discussion of how to solve outstanding problems.

Instructor

Rick Ellis, who also delivers BCA's very popular Psychology of Voyaging workshops, lends his years of boating experience and professional facilitation expertise to help you develop your docking skills. Rick's unique approach to this topic, which combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and personal consultation, generated rave reviews from participants when he first "launched" the course in 2015.

For more information and to register - click here.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of Bluewater Cruising Association.

Related Articles

PredictWind launches PredictRain
New app From PredictWind delivers hyper-accurate, short-term rain predictions PredictRain is a groundbreaking standalone app that combines advanced AI modelling with intuitive tools to provide timely and precise rain forecasts for all types of outdoor activities. Posted today at 4:51 am
49er & 49erFX Junior Worlds champions crowned
One final race before the storm kicked in at Øresund The final day of the 2025 Junior World Championship delivered high drama and even higher waves. As wind and rain swept across the Øresund, Race Committees managed to run one final race before safety concerns forced an early end to the competition. Posted today at 4:43 am
Admiral's Cup: Emotional, Rare, Unforgettable
The 2025 Admirals' Cup set the stage for a bold new era in offshore racing Once the pinnacle of international offshore sailing, the return of the Admiral's Cup was a resounding success, setting the stage for a bold new era in offshire racing. Posted on 4 Aug
29er World Championship at Porto Day 2
The breeze never quite showed up but the action didn't stop Day two of the Porto World Championships began with hope—and strategy. With light winds in the forecast, the race committee scheduled an early start in anticipation of a short sea breeze window. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Aero World & Youth Worlds overall
The fine Brittany weather and afternoon sea breezes have provided excellent racing The stage was set for a dramatic final day showdown in Quiberon Bay, France, to decide the titles for the 7th RS Aero Worlds and 4th Youth Worlds. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Feva Worlds at Aix-les-Bains, France Overall
Crowning of our 2025 World Champions As our World Championships drew to a thrilling close on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation! Sailors and families were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their journey home. Posted on 4 Aug
ClubSwan 28 American Series launched
US-based regatta series unites high-performance design with competitive racing. Nautor Swan today announces the launch of the ClubSwan 28 American Series in collaboration with Terry Hutchinson and American Magic, a new high-performance racing circuit designed to ignite competitive sailing in the U.S. Posted on 4 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Safe Harbor Race Weekend starts Friday
Exciting racing, unforgettable shoreside festivities on tap Ever growing in popularity and caliber, the three-day Safe Harbor Race Weekend will host an impressive fleet of 73 boats on August 8 when it begins its fifth annual edition in Newport, R.I. Posted on 4 Aug
Tenerife Windsurf Grand Slam Day 3
Pierre Mortefon draws first blood after the wind fills in late After a couple of days of waiting for the wind, Day 3 eventually provided the goods to end the wait for some official competition as the Slalom X got under way during the early evening in 15-18 knots of wind. Posted on 4 Aug
Switch One DesignHyde Sails 2024 - One DesignC-Tech 2021 SnuffAir 728x90 BOTTOM