Docking at Hartges

Please click on CC (Closed Captions) for commentary... Docking a big boat requires planning. Since you can't change the slip direction, you need to adjust your approach and speed to the direction of the wind and current. Here the skipper makes a wide turn into the fairway. He sees that he'll be docking into the wind and current, which is always preferable. On a big boat like this one, it's a bonus to have several crew aboard. The Skipper takes his time lining up before proceeding slowly into the slip. Crew are spread out along the deck and it appears each has a designated dockline to handle. The skipper gives enough power to maintain way and allows the boat to travel well into the slip before he gives the the order to secure lines. If the wind or current were to his stern, stopping would be a bit more tricky and some reverse throttle would probably be needed. All said, we'll give the skipper an A+ on this landing.