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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.

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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.

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Author

  • Grant Headifen

    My vision for NauticEd is to ensure that families and friends get out on the water not only safely but with true COMPETENCE, confidently savoring every moment of their valuable time.

    Achieving this means being the pinnacle of sailing and boating education—offering comprehensive multi-media theoretical instruction coupled with hands-on, on-the-water training through our global network of American National Standards Instructors. We steadfastly avoid becoming a mere certification mill; our focus is on delivering genuine competence, ensuring our students are well-prepared for enjoyable, real-world boating experiences.

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Last updated on June 25th, 2025
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