Things You'll Need:
- Sailing Gloves
- Boat Books
- Sailing Schools
- Boat Hook
- Sailboats
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Step 1
Position the boat so the bow points into the wind if possible. This method will only work in a leeward slip.
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Step 2
Raise the jib and the mainsail allowing them to luff (see Related eHows).
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Step 3
Release the spring lines.
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Step 4
Release both dock lines on the side of the boat closest to open water.
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Step 5
Station a crew member on the bow and one at the stern.
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Step 6
Untie both remaining dock lines.
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Step 7
Loop each dock line once around its cleat and hand the end to the deck crew.
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Step 8
Board the boat.
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Step 9
Keep enough tension on the lines to avoid moving the boat.
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Step 10
Have someone grasp the boom from the upwind side firmly and force it to catch the wind by pushing it toward the side of the boat farthest from open water.
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Step 11
Instruct the crew to release both dock lines.
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Step 12
Station a crew member with a fender on the side nearest open water.
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Step 13
Release the boom slowly as the boat begins to move backward. Control the movement of the boom with the main sheet.
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Step 14
Steer the boat's stern away from open water.
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Step 15
Sheet in the mainsail when the bow points toward open water. Make sure you aren't too close to anything on the leeward side. Steering will have no effect until the boat moves again and you may drift.
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Step 16
Sheet in the jib and the boat will be under way.
