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This article is an excerpt from NauticEd’s Maneuvering Under Power, a comprehensive online course that empowers you to dock and maneuver large sailboats. The Maneuvering Under Power course is part of the Skipper Large Sailboat bundle of online courses, fully preparing you to sail large sailboats over 25ft.

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Sailboat docking sequence with RPM instructions. Gear lever in neutral. Ensure 2-sec gear pause for safety.

How to Turn Your Sailboat in a Tight Marina

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Turning your boat in a tight marina can be intimidating if you don’t know the secret.

The Secret to Turning Around in a Tight Marina

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It’s pretty simple really, you just make propwalk work for you using a combination of propwalk and bursts in forward gear always leaving the rudder to starboard.

Watch the Animation below.

There is an additional secret to doing this in extremely high wind conditions which we reveal in our Maneuvering Under Power Course.

Learn to Maneuver and Dock your boat like a pro. Don’t be the dufus caught on camera.

Take the Maneuvering Under Power Course now!

You can learn more in the Docking and Maneuvering Under Power Online Course....

The Docking and Maneuvering Under Power online sailing course is your go-to resource for learning how to dock and maneuver large sailboats. Upgrade to the Skipper Large Sailboat bundle of courses to fully prepare for near-coastal sailing and sailing charters.

Maneuvering Under Power Course Details > Get 2 Free Online Courses >

Author

  • Grant Headifen

    Grant Headifen is a USCG-certified Master Mariner (50-Ton), founder of NauticEd, and one of the sailing world's most recognized educators. With 46 years on the water, charters across 40+ global destinations, 5 sailing books, 30+ online courses, and 300,000+ students worldwide, Grant brings real-world expertise to every article. He pioneered fractional boat ownership through SailTime and serves on the Texas Boater Safety Advisory Board. NauticEd is the only U.S. sailing education body recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard under American National Standards.

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Last updated on June 25th, 2025
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