I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to observe a skipper trying to dock a 30 to 35 foot sailboat. I say trying because it took 4 missed approaches before number 5 finally worked, and even that one required a bit of help from a stranger on the dock. \u00a0What was the problem? \u00a0From where I stood, it appeared that the skipper didn’t know where he was in relation to the dock. \u00a0The result was a some very colorful “sailor talk”. \u00a0There were a couple of passengers on board that boat, who looked to be novices. \u00a0I hope they had a great sail that day, because it was obvious they were not very comfortable with the end to the day.<\/p>\n
On another note, over the past 10 years, I have spent a lot of time in airports, and flying. I am always amazed at how the pilots “park” those great big aircraft within inches of where it needs to be. \u00a0This is especially\u00a0significant\u00a0when you realize \u00a0the pilot can not see the spot on the ground being aimed for. \u00a0How do they do it? \u00a0Easy … they have ground marshals …\u00a0using\u00a0a few very simple hand signals … guiding them in.<\/p>\n
So, how does this relate to docking a sailboat? \u00a0When coming into a dock or a slip, I can rarely see my “end point”. \u00a0However, it’s very simple to have someone on the bow (braced safely) using hand signals to guide me in. \u00a0For example:<\/p>\n
Use these, or set up some signals of your own ahead of time, and the next time you are coming into a dock or slip give it a try. \u00a0The end result is less stress for all concerned, and anything that reduces stress is worth it!<\/p>\n
-Submitted by Tradewinds Instructor Don Gilzean<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to observe a skipper trying to dock a 30 to 35 foot sailboat. I say trying because it took 4 missed approaches before number 5 finally worked, and even that one … Continue reading