How to Sail Away From a Dock

Most boats encounter docks sooner or later, so you'll probably need to know how to sail away from one. Sailing, instead of powering away, should be done only when there's very little vessel traffic or if you don't have an engine. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sailing Gloves
• Boat Shoes
• Sailboats

1. Position the boat so that the bow points into the wind.
2. Raise the jib and the mainsail, allowing them to luff (see Related eHows).
3. Release spring lines.
4. Station crew members on the bow and at the stern.
5. Untie both dock lines.
6. Loop each dock line once around its cleat, and hand the end to the deck crew.
7. Keep enough tension on the lines to avoid moving the boat.
8. Grasp the boom firmly and force it to catch the wind by pushing it toward the dock.
9. Release the bow line.
10. Release the boom as the bow comes away from the dock.
11. Sheet in the jib on the leeward side.
12. Release the stern line and sail forward.
13. Sheet in the mainsail and the boat will be under way.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure a fender between the boat's hull and the dock to avoid damage prior to casting off.
• Make sure all sheets are free to run prior to sailing out of a dock.
• You need plenty of room to maneuver when sailing away from a slip or dock. Check to see that the area is clear of vessel traffic before casting off the lines.