Cut the lines
Learn how to leave the stress behind, as resident cruising expert Clive Loughlin talks through some simple steps for departing the dock with confidence...
Most people (instructors included!) find take-o s and landings to be among the more stressful sailing activities, and the last thing you want to do is start an adventure with a bit of a mess-up.
When everyone is on deck and ready to go I always ask my crew to think what would happen to the boat if all lines were instantly cut.
This is a simple step, but helps clarify the mind. The idea is to get the crew to think about the tidal stream and the wind, and their e ect on the boat.
It is no good at all to do this 30 minutes before the desired departure, as both tide and wind will certainly have changed.
The wind is pretty easy, but it’s what is happening at deck level, and not at the masthead that counts, as adjacent gin palaces will certainly disrupt the airflow. Go by how it feels on the face, and check out both ends of the boat if necessary.
Checking the tidal stream can sometimes be tricky as well. Flotsam and weed help, but if they are absent I favour dropping a small piece of screwed up soggy paper, or a possibly more eco-friendly rolled up piece of bread, into the water and seeing where it goes. The important thing is that it must sink below the surface (where wind can confuse things).
When wind and tidal stream have been ascertained, thoughts can then turn to how they will a ect the boat when the lines are magically cut.
I always encourage crew to do the minimum necessary to get the job done safely, and it is surprising how often the elements will undock the boat for you.
It is important however to remember that you will not have steerage if you are just drifting out – this may not be a problem at all if you are drifting into open water – but it will be if you are heading across the aisle into the neighbouring pontoon!
If you decide that nature needs a helping hand, use the minimum number of lines and, if the engine is required, just enough power to get the job done and take control of the elements.
When leaving a berth I would encourage taking things slowly – if nothing else this gives the crew more time to get a fender where it's needed.