The Perfect Throw: How to Heave a Dock Line Like a Pro

It is the first connection between ship and shore. Here is how to make sure you don't miss.

Being able to properly toss a dock line to another person is an essential skill every skipper should have. While easily learned, there are a number of steps you should take to ensure a proper throw.

There is a distinct moment of pressure when arriving at a marina. The engine is in neutral, the gap is closing, and people on the dock are watching. In this moment, your ability to deliver a line accurately determines whether the docking is smooth or stressful.

Throwing a line is not about strength. It is about preparation and mechanics.

At Sailing Munich, we teach a specific technique to ensure the line lands exactly where it is needed.

1. Secure the Bitter End

Before you even pick up the coils, secure the "bitter end" (the end you are keeping) to a cleat on the boat. Why? I have seen countless students execute a perfect throw, only to watch the entire rope fly off the deck and sink into the harbor. Secure it first.

2. The Art of Coiling

You cannot throw a tangled line. Coil the rope into long, manageable loops in your hand.

• The Architect’s Tip: Coil clockwise. Most ropes have a natural "lay" or twist. If you coil against it, the rope will kink and snag mid-air. Ensure every loop runs fair and free.

  
  

3. Split the Weight

Do not try to throw the entire heavy coil at once.

• The Split: Separate the coils. Hold about 60% of the rope (the heavy throwing part) in your dominant hand.

• The Feeder: Hold the remaining 40% loosely in your non-dominant hand.

• The Logic: The heavy part generates the momentum, while the non-dominant hand feeds the line out smoothly to cover the distance.

  
  

4. Pick Your Target (Safety First)

Never aim for the person’s face or chest. If you throw a heavy wet rope directly at someone, their natural instinct is to flinch or duck, which means they will miss the catch.

The Strategy: Ask the person on the dock to extend their arm. Aim high and past them, imagining the arc of the rope landing over their outstretched arm. It is much easier for them to catch a line falling gently over their arm than one flying at their nose.

5. The Follow Through

Swing your arm smoothly (underarm or sidearm works best, never overarm like a baseball) and release. Let the line fly out of your throwing hand, and allow the coils in your non-throwing hand to unspool rapidly.

Stay with the line. Once they have caught it, do not pull immediately. Give them slack to secure it to a bollard, then gently take up the tension to position the boat.

A clean throw sets the tone for a calm arrival. Practice this on the dock before you need to do it in a crosswind.

Fair winds,

Captain Leo Cunha