How to: Dock Single-Handed

I created this episode in response to a viewer comment about single-handed docking. In the video, I demonstrate my technique for docking the boat on a long, straight dock and also bringing my boat into my marina slip. On a long, straight dock it's pretty easy and straight-forward. At my marina, there are some constraints including extremely shallow water and a small, shared slip. My particular sailboat also does not turn well to port when the wind is coming from the port side. The boat turns very well to starboard, even against a strong wind. The shallow water around my marina limits maneuverability and also requires that my centerboard be raised, which increases my leeway and makes the boat more difficult to steer when motoring with wind on the beam. Docking at my slip takes a bit more effort. I use the boat hook to grab the lines and the motor to keep my boat pressed against the dock until I secure the bow lines. Subscribe and follow @ColoradoSailing on YouTube for more original sailing videos, gear, boat maintenance, sailing tips and travel content as I sail my Precision 18 trailer sailer and Precision 16 sailing dinghy in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota. #sailingchannel #coloradosailing #sailing #mountainsailing #sailingtips #sailinglife #learntosail