Along Side Deck Mooring for Sailboats

The Along Side Deck mooring technique is used to dock the boat parallel to a dock, pier, or another vessel. Here's the detailed explanation:

1. Preparation

Fenders: Place several fenders along the side that will come alongside the dock, adjusting the height to absorb impact and protect the hull.

Dock Lines: Prepare at least four lines:

• Bow line: prevents the bow from drifting backward.

• Stern line: prevents the stern from drifting forward.

• Spring forward: ties the stern forward, preventing the boat from sliding backward.

• Spring aft: ties the bow backward, preventing the boat from sliding forward.

2. Approach

Initial angle: approach the dock at an angle between 20° and 45°, at minimal controlled speed, preferably against the wind or current (if any).

Speed control: use small throttle and rudder adjustments to maintain control. Keep the rudder ready for quick corrections.

3. First Contact

Aim for the midsection of the boat (or slightly ahead of the mast) to touch the dock gently first.

A crew member must be ready to jump ashore with a bow line or spring already secured and ready.

4. Initial Securing

Secure the spring first: either spring forward or spring aft, as they are crucial to control the boat's longitudinal movement.

• If the boat tends to drift backward, secure the spring forward first.

• If it tends to move forward, secure the spring aft.

5. Position Adjustment

After securing the spring, use slow engine thrust against the spring (e.g., engine forward with spring aft secured) to hold the boat tight to the dock.

Once stabilized, secure the bow and stern lines.

6. Finishing

Adjust line tension to keep the boat firm but flexible enough to accommodate tides and swells.

Reinforce protection with additional fenders if necessary.

Place fenders between the dock lines if there's a risk of chafing.

Technical Notes

• Always rig dock lines with quick-release loops for emergencies.

• In strong tides or currents, prioritize securing tight springs.

• In strong crosswinds, be more aggressive with engine use and rudder corrections.

• If the dock is busy or space is tight, fine control over speed and angle becomes even more critical.

Tight Space and Strong Crosswind – Along Side Deck

1. Preparation

More fenders, well-distributed and even below the waterline if needed.

Dock lines ready, especially the springs.

Crew already positioned, each knowing which line to throw first.

If possible, have a midship line ready to throw quickly.

2. Approach Strategy

Wind pushing toward the dock: use it to your advantage. Approach slowly at a small angle, letting the wind "stick" the boat to the dock.

Wind pushing away from the dock: approach at a steeper angle (almost perpendicular, about 30°) and use more engine thrust to counter the wind.

Expect that reducing speed or stopping will quickly cause the boat to drift away.

3. Approach Technique

Keep the bow slightly into the wind, not fully parallel to the dock yet.

Reduce speed only at the last moment to avoid losing control.

Have a crew member ready to throw the spring as soon as contact is made.

4. Quick Docking

Immediately after touching, prioritize securing the spring (usually spring forward).

Use the engine against the spring to hold the boat against the dock.

Example: spring secured from bow aft → slightly engage forward engine → boat hugs the dock without needing manual force.

5. Quick Corrections

If the wind tries to push the bow or stern off:

• Reverse engine with rudder toward the dock → stern closes in.

• Forward engine with rudder away from dock → bow closes in.

Fine-tune with small throttle and rudder adjustments.

6. Emergency Maneuvers

If you miss the approach or the wind pushes too hard, don't force it.

Apply forward or reverse power strongly and back out to reattempt calmly.

Advanced Tips

• A crew member can throw a line directly to a bollard or cleat on the dock and use it as a "tow line" to pull the boat against the wind.

• If current and wind are combined, always prioritize maneuvering against the current, even if slightly sideways to the wind.

• In extreme crosswinds, consider setting an anchor to windward to help hold the boat against the dock.

Unmooring – Tight Space and Strong Crosswind

1. Initial Assessment

Determine wind and current direction and strength.

Choose the safest side to leave toward: preferably windward (against the wind) or against the current.

2. Preparation

Release lines not on the exit side but keep the springs active until the last moment.

Leave only two lines secured:

• One spring (preferably stern spring leading forward).

• One short bow or stern line (depending on exit direction).

3. Exit Strategy

Wind pushing toward the dock:

• Use the spring to keep the boat tight while preparing the maneuver.

• Rudder turned away from the dock.

• Reverse engine against the spring to swing the stern out (if space is limited).

• Release the last line once the boat starts moving.

Wind pushing away from the dock:

• The exit is easier but can be too fast.

• Release the spring and last line at the right time with the engine already engaged forward.

• Use the rudder to align quickly and gain control.

4. Execution

If using a stern spring:

• Slight forward thrust against the spring → bow moves away from dock.

• Release spring once there's enough clearance.

• Rudder away from dock, move forward with control.

If using a bow spring:

• Reverse engine against the spring → stern moves away first.

• Release spring at the right moment and continue reversing or neutral.

5. Final Cautions

In very tight spaces, quick combinations of forward, reverse, and rudder may be necessary to adjust the boat's alignment in the exit channel.

If there's current, keep the engine engaged to maintain bow and rudder control, even at low speed.

Spring Kick Out – Ultra Tight Space Exit

Objective: Use controlled engine thrust against a spring to quickly swing the bow or stern away from the dock, creating minimum space for departure.

1. Preparation

Secure only two lines:

• One essential spring — usually from stern forward if you want to swing the bow out.

• One short safety line (to be released last moment).

Fenders positioned, especially at the pivot point (midship).

2. Rudder Positioning

Turn the rudder fully toward the dock.

This helps the boat pivot using the spring as a pivot point.

3. "Kick Out" Action

Gently throttle the engine against the spring:

• If the spring runs from stern forward, engage forward gear slightly.

• The propeller thrust will push the hull backward while the spring holds, making the bow swing out quickly.

Maintain forward thrust until the bow opens 30° to 45°.

4. Releasing the Spring

Once the bow has safe clearance:

• Release or command to release the spring quickly.

• Straighten the rudder.

• Move forward under control.

5. Final Adjustment

If necessary, use slight reverse with rudder adjustments to gain more space before aligning the boat into the exit channel.

Practical Notes

In strong crosswinds pushing toward the dock, the maneuver must be fast: the wind will try to push the boat back once the spring is released.

In extremely tight spaces, keeping the engine engaged while releasing lines ensures continuous traction.

If current is strong, adjust the engine early to counter drift as the boat releases.

Command Sequence – Spring Kick Out Departure

Situation:Lateral wind pushing toward the dock, tight space, exiting by swinging bow out.

Crew Practical Order:

Prepare

• Fenders ready.

• Stern spring forward secured.

• Last short line (bow or stern) ready to release.

Rudder

• Rudder fully toward dock.

Engine

• Slow forward gear, increasing power gently against spring.

Observation

• Confirm bow starts swinging out.

• If needed, add a little more throttle.

Release

• When bow opens 30°–45°, command:

  • "Release the spring!"

• Crew quickly releases spring.

Correction

• Straighten rudder (about halfway).

• Moderate forward throttle to gain control and distance.

Departure

• Align the boat into the exit channel.

• Adjust speed as per available space.

Quick checklist (cockpit-style):

• Fenders OK

• Spring secured

• Rudder toward dock

• Light forward thrust

• Bow opens 30° → RELEASE SPRING!

• Straighten rudder

• Advance under control

Command Sequence – Stern-First Departure with Spring (Extremely Limited Space)

Situation:Boats docked ahead and astern, no room to move forward. Crosswind may or may not be present.

Crew Practical Order:

Prepare

• Fenders ready.

• Bow spring aft secured.

• Last short stern line ready for quick release.

Rudder

• Rudder fully toward dock.

Engine

• Gentle reverse throttle, pulling against aft spring.

Observation

• Stern starts swinging out (bow held by spring).

Release

• When stern opens 30°–45°, command:

  • "Release the spring!"

• Crew quickly releases spring.

Correction

• Moderate reverse throttle to back out.

• Straighten rudder as needed to stay aligned.

Departure

• Continue reversing until free space to maneuver.

• Once clear, switch to forward gear if needed.

Quick checklist (cockpit-style):

• Fenders OK

• Spring secured

• Rudder toward dock

• Gentle reverse throttle

• Stern opens 30° → RELEASE SPRING!

• Controlled reverse

• Adjust heading

Practical Notes

Stern-first spring departure requires fine reverse control: too much throttle can cause rudder loss.

In strong crosswind pushing toward dock, it may be necessary to add more reverse throttle immediately after releasing the spring to avoid being pushed back.