[C320-list] FW: Docking

[Greg Battersby]

I recently stepped up to a 320 from a C-30 which I had had for a number of
years.  I’ve been sailing a variety of different sailboats for more than 25
years.  

 

The configuration with a swim platform on the back seemed conducive to
backing into my slip rather than going in head first as I had done over the
years with the C-30 and other boats. I share a slip with a 28’ powerboat and
when I back in, the finger pier is on my port side and he is on my starboard
side.  There are no pilings.  It’s pretty tight and there isn’t a tremendous
amount of room between me and my neighbor.

 

The first couple of times I came in I was able to back the boat in with
minimal problems.    I approached from the starboard side, slowed down,
swung to starboard as I was passing my neighbor; came to a dead stop, kicked
it into reverse, and backed in with a little help from the dock wheel and
prop wash that took me to starboard--against the dock.   Today there was a
little more wind than before and it was a disaster.  After about 5 tries and
thoroughly embarrassing myself (Happy Father’s Day!), we finally made it in.
Fortunately, my neighbor was out or else the disaster would have been a
catastrophe.

 

Anyone have any sage advice on docking, particularly the backing in type?
I’m struggling enough with a couple of able body hands on board--the thought
of trying to single-handedly dock this boat is now intimidating.

 

Greg Battersby

C-320  #210

Windeage

Westport, CT


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