Except for small sailboats without a motor, most sailboats leave the dock under power using the engine. It can be difficult to sail a sizable boat off a dock unless the wind is very cooperative. With experience and the right conditions, however, it’s a real joy to sail off the dock.
Follow the steps here to leave the dock under power. Hopefully the boat was docked facing into the wind or current, which will also make it easier to leave the dock. Make sure the motor is running smoothly before you start removing lines.
- Untie the dock lines in reverse order. Unless there is a lot of wind, untie your dock lines in the reverse order of how they were tied when docking. Start with the spring lines. Leave for last the line holding the end of the boat that faces into the current or wind.
- Push the bow away from the dock and step aboard with the last dock line. Power ahead away from the dock at a shallow angle.
- Watch the stern! Remember that a boat’s stern always moves in the opposite direction from the bow. You could crash the stern back into the dock if you turn too sharply as you power ahead.
- Fenders! Fenders! Don’t forget to bring in the fenders once you’re underway. Nothing marks a beginner like sailing along on a fine breeze with fenders dragging in the water, ensuring you’ll get catcalls from passing boats!
