You are squeezed between two huge power boats ahead and astern of you at the fuel dock. A breeze from ahead threatens to send you into the power cruiser astern. Unless you know how to dock a boat or undock a boat the way the pros do! Follow these five easy steps to undock your boat with perfect control.

Anytime the wind blows from ahead, or if it blows off the dock, you will need to control your boat so that the bow swings off the dock first. This gives you the most control in tight quarters. This technique will work on any vessel, from the smallest sailboat or power boat to the largest super tanker! Follow these five simple steps to success:

1. Rig Fenders First

Position one or two fenders at the quarter (near the stern) of the boat. Make up another fender for a “roving fender”. This fender will be used by one of your crew as he or she walks (“roves”) around the boat to drop the fender between the boat and dock to cushion any contact points.

Use a long loop of line 4′ to 5′ long. Attach a bitter end to the eye on each side of the fender. This way, the crew can hold the fender in a vertical position or horizontal position for maximum protection.

2. Make Up a Forward Quarter Spring Line

Tie one end of a long docking line to a boat cleat near the stern. Lead the line to a piling or cleat on the dock, forward of the stern cleat. Loop it around the piling or cleat and lead it back to the boat cleat at the stern. Tie off the line.

3. Bring in All Lines Except the Spring

When you are ready to leave, start your inboard or outboard engine. Assign one crew to the roving fender and another to the forward quarter spring line on the boat. Bring aboard all other lines except for the forward quarter spring line. All crew should be on the boat before you go to step 4.

4. Use Idle Speed – Reverse Propulsion

Place the engine in reverse at idle throttle speed. Keep the wheel or tiller amidships (centered). Glance over your shoulder to watch the stern and then ahead to watch the bow to make sure you clear the boats.

5. Clear the Bow and Pull the Spring Aboard

Wait until the bow clears the boat ahead by a wide margin. When clear, uncleat the spring line. Pull it aboard fast to keep it from wrapping around the propeller. Once the spring comes aboard, use your rudder and engine to maneuver out into the channel.

Use these five easy sailing tips to learn to dock a boat or undock a boat like a pro. You will gain the confidence and skills to handle your sailboat in any situation–wherever in the world you choose to sail!

Captain John teaches sailing skippers the skills they need to set sail for a day, a week–or a lifetime! Get his popular free report “Ten Top Boat Safety Checks for Cruising Boat Skippers” at Learn to Sail at Skippertips.com.

John offers free sailing tips, articles, sailing videos and newsletter at Learn to Sail at Skippertips.com.