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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.

You can learn to sail and improve your sailing with NauticEd, the international leader in sailing education.

Springing a sailboat On and In

Coming into a slip is usually not a problem and does not require a spring because you merely drive the boat using either forward or reverse. Once you are in, you can sort out the details.

Coming up to a Tee-head is more the situation where you need to spring on. The need for accuracy in your maneuver is heightened when the space is tight. Here is an animation of a boat doing this.

 

And here are the forces and moment diagrams.

springing on

In the above scenario, if the wind or current is from behind with any strength at all, you should consider backing into the slot instead.

After you make your plan, ensure dock lines are made ready and (very important) that the crew are told exactly which direction to cleat the boat when they get off. In high winds, things can go south very quickly.

Plan to get the bow of the boat sprung to the dock, and then to spring in.

If you’re going it alone, there is usually quicker access to the dock from the cockpit. Below the skipper steps off, taking the amidships spring line to the dock, then powers the boat around using the spring line. The spring line at amidships provides extra distance between the forces and, thus, an extra turning moment.

doing it solo

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.

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 August 16th, 2024