Have not seen a docking with a bow line like that as, here in Australia, we usually have fingers to tie off to on one or both sides. Well explained. Thanks.
Hey Nick! YT's algorithm made me discover your awesome channel. Now, we're best friend! But, I also have to binge watch 300+ vids. OMG, I'll never get to the water!
Hi Nick, my wife and I saw all your mooring and méditerranéen docking videos for our Croatia sailing trip, we used all your techniques. You helped us a lot. Thanks to your videos we had a safe trip, we thank you. Alain from Canada
Lazy lines make life so much easier. Was sailng in Greece this summer and you had to lay our anchor to secure our bow in the small ports we visited. Lots of potential for crossed anchor chains.
I’ve watched this several times over the past months... and I’ve got to say this is the absolutely BEST instructional video on how to dock! (For whatever it’s worth, I’m a charter skipper on similar boats (albeit in much colder waters ;-)
your a charter captain and this video helped you? 🤔 for the sake of your employer, i wouldnt let the world know who you work for if you need to watch a youtube video to reverse a boat into a dock on a calm day. holy moses. how have you been getting into pens before now? i mean.... here in australia you must go though months and years of training to get your commercial right to operate a vessel in a commercial capacity. if one of my skippers showed me this video and told me how much it helped him he would be fired immediately. are you indian by chance?...
@@freelectron2029your reading comprehension isn’t too sharp there… if you wana be a dick, have at it. if you want to look like a dick, don’t read a comment properly and make stupid and racist assumptions 😂🤦🏽♀️
@@45DegreesSailing maybe add some graphical reference points/distances to the neighbor boats while you turn into the mooring place. When to start the turn, how far from the bow of the other boats, be aware of the lazy lines of other boats.
I watched almost all of your videos and would like to thank you for doing such a great job, went for my 1st skipper sail in Croatia past week and it was super helpful!
This is just about the best video presentation that I have seen about stern to mooring with lazy lines. Irrespective that you have done this single-handed, every action was explained in order, and in detail. Really good. One thing I would say is that you mentioned that you would drive against the attached stern line in windy conditions and I agree with this, but when doing this, you do have to be a bit careful with the 'loose' end of the lazy line dropping back under the stern. If it is long enough, i tend to drop it over the inside of the safety lines and onto the boat or get a crew member to hold it high. You may have done it already and I haven't seen it, but mooring stern to with lazy lines in a crosswind would also be a very valuable video presentation. I had such a set of conditions last weekend in abnormal weather in Corfu.
Thank you for the comment and feedback. It is much appreciated as you can imagine we have a lot of comments on the other side of constructive! Yes this loose end or ‘lazy’ end often made from lighter thinner line that attaches to the pier is a huge consideration when doing this manoeuvre. The best of the dock hands will hold the end clear as it is taken to the bow to ensure it staying away from the prop. I have a few videos of crosswind control lines, maybe some docking ones though I have not had the .. ‘opportunity with the right weather and time in the moment’ lol to film this. Also once it hits a certain level getting the drone up is also risky. I will see what I can find for you and post in another comment
I can not thank you enough for your video. I just single hand moored in Stari Grad. So so so helpful. This video is full of amazing tips from start to finish.
Amazing instructional. Doubt that even the most ardent keyboard warriors would find an issue with anything you’ve done in this manoeuvre. Absolutely fantastic video thanks for sharing !
REALLY NICE-I really like your focus on pre-docking and all the detail-I didn't watch the whole thing, but I hope you encouraged people to practice, practice ALONE, not with friends & family aboard. Early Sunday morning is a great time with little traffic then. ALSO, if you haven't, a video about docking in wind and current (which weren't present here) would be great for folks.. Cheers.
Thanks Will. Yes I need to make the time and situation to be able to film this well! Its tough when working. We get very little tide/current here in Croatia so I will have to save that one for when I travel. But 20 knots on the beam is very common!
Hello... très belles explications et démonstration.... beaucoup (voir tous ) de personnes qui louent un bateau devraient voir et étudier cet épisode ....BRAVO.... Jack from CROATIA
Great video! That's exactly how I do it except I do OXO only for temporary use... after I'm happy with my position i do the "proper" cleat knot. Remember to throw windward line first from the stern and always, when going parallel to the dock during initial approach, you want to go stern towards the wind if it blows sideways to the dock. My Bav 36 doesnt have a bow thruster so with side wind I want to dock in a position where my downwind side of the hull will have another boat to rest on with my fenders... if there are none, after throwing the stern line I have to put on forward and steer a bit towards the windward side so the boat stays balanced on one line... only after that I take the mooring line.
I really loved this video and I learned OXOO that is actually way better than hitches. I loved also your other docking videos, I will use it to teach my unskilled crew.
In Croatia, almost every marinero start to pull the mooring line first. However, we know that the most important line on docking maneuver - stern to, is the windward stern line. So, if you will first time sail in Croatia - prepare yourself. Congratulations for very nice video and explanation.
Totally agree. And thanks for the comments. That control line is so important in any docking/manoeuvring procedure. If you can learn control lines then single handed or crewed, your job becomes so much easier.
That's also how I do it every time. Get the windward stern line (or both) set up first, engage the engine forward and you have all the time in the world. :-) Nice video.
Excellent video!! Yes, there's no wind but you don't get to choose the weather. 😂 It would be great to do the same video with somw crosswinds. Also, a video of leaving the dock with crosswinds while squeezed between two boats, that would be amazing!! Hopefully you get lucky with the weather at some point 😂. Thanks for making these videos, they are by far the most useful ones we found on TH-cam so far.
Mate you have made me nostalgic just watching this. Pre covid is sailed each a week in Croatia in 2019 and 2018 (2 separate weeks in 2019) and absolutely loved it and miss it. Can’t wait to get back. Start out from Marina Kremik near Primosten and normally Trogir, Milna, Vis, Hvar and if winds are with use Korcula. Milna, Vis and Trogir are “chefs kiss”. If you’re ever in Stockholm… you’ve got a beer on me. Cheers for the video. -An Aussie in Sweden
@@bobcresswell5031 yeh I have heard. I haven’t done Greece yet but would by up for that challenge 😉 I don’t always have the time and the boat when the weather is good to teach/film in!
Well done, excellent communication...working my way through purchasing a Gozzard right now...about four weeks out if all goes well and then I'll be approaching my slip for the first time:)
Thanks Nick for a great explanation. One problem I encountered. I had a motor boat crew member lift the lazy line so high and too early that it caught on the bulb of my keel and because of language issues (it was in Greece Sept 2021) he didn't understand what had happened. No big problem as there was only light winds. Being prepared and having an understanding of the whole process as well as how to resolve it without cross words or shouting, makes for good relationship with other boatys.
Nick, just bought myself a little lug rigged dinghy, your very helpful and nice yacht video was a great tutorial, given me lots of helpful advice. GP east coast england. Raining.!
Stumbled across your channel and your videos are incredible resources for those with larger boats. Thank you for taking the time to put these out there.
@@45DegreesSailing Thank you for responding to me comment. I sail out of San Francisco, California so not sure I will ever make it to Croatia but it looks beautiful. I will definitely add to my sail bucket list.
This is a GREAT docking instruction video! A must-watch for all beginners, but also for people who wonder why they had so much trouble docking in the past...
@@45DegreesSailing excellent! Thank you. I notice you call the next video Solo Docking; haters version. I just wanted to say....I am definitely not hating your vids. Quite the opposite!
Great instructional video, ideal for anyone chartering in Croatia and worrying about med-mooring. For those watching from further afield, this is a genuinely useful and accurate depiction of how things pan out on charter boats in Croatia and the Med more widely. Yes, they’ll (probably) have bow thrusters, yes they’ll be someone on the dock. They definitely won’t have long keels and tidal currents…
Hey Nick just discovered your channel. Awesome video on solo stern to docking, the best that I've come across. Thank you! Now off to check out the rest of your content.
@@45DegreesSailing we’re keen to learn practical skills but also to build up a set of what do do when ‘shit happens’ - so we have safe Plan Bs rather than freaking out. Things like how to safely tow a sailboat, parallel parking at a marina, or how to fix a jammed winch. (And ‘hi’ from Down Under!)
Thanks Nick, Great content. I’ve watched many of your videos and boat reviews, this video more than a few times and your earlier videos about docking with lazy lines. Having only ever docked onto harbours or finger pontoons, these videos have explained the lazy line process clearly. I will be making sure my family and friends will be watching the video to understand prior to sailing in the Med. I was also pleased the video was filmed in Marina Baotic as was your earlier video about the fuel dock, it was nice to see the marina as I am I’m picking up a charter from there in May2022. The drone shot taken the point you were on one stern line working on the lazy line shows the yacht having swung a little to starboard, its fenders touching the adjacent yacht. When learning to sail it was stressed to me as important to try and never touch another yacht even with fenders deployed, good aim when training, stops new skippers from being carless or complacent even thou it will happen occasionally, hopefully with fenders in the right place. In docking on lazy lines in the med is it considered likely (normal?) that in docking you will/may brush against a adjacent yacht, as long as fenders are deployed correctly no-one is too upset ? One of the biggest concerns as a newbie in the Dalmation islands region is looking at anchorages, where the bottom seems to drop in depth very steeply over a short distance, if you swing at anchor its easy to be in the shallows. Have you considered doing a video showing the options available, and when and where you may use stern lines to the shore etc. Thanks for your video’s, consider doing more video’s on the marina’s and ports/harbours around Split and the islands, given the number of yachts chartered in the area I’m sure there would be many sailers eager to see their possible destinations shown clearly and explained.
Hey Steve. First of all thanks for watching an supporting the channel. Great to see the videos have been helpful! Would love to soo your comments on the other videos you like/have watched. It really helps out with algorithm if you like and comment.🤙🏽🙂
With regards to the docking and touching fenders. Yes it is very normal to make contact with the other yachts. Especially when docking in a decent cross wind in places such as Vis, Stari Grad etc. Also, and I will create a video showing and explaining this after your comments, in the summer months especially, you will be packed in quite tight at most ports, receiving only one bow/mooring line and be pressed against a yacht on either side. This means that you want to have good fender placement on your yacht, and once docked yourself, be ready for the next yacht coming in alongside you as they may also be a fresh skipper and not have great control or fender placement.
Regarding the anchorages, there are many of these spots you mentioned. We are often running stern lines to shore. Though not to avoid swinging into the shallows. I will look at doing a video on this also.
@@coswecanvideo5362 as a Croatian sailor, I can confirm about anchoring. Many coves have buoys, you pay for. They usually take your garbage but that is it. No anchoring within 150m from the buoys. North Adriatic has shallower waters and you can anchor easily, but in the south the coves are deep. And it is considered rude to drop the anchor in the middle and block the cove for others. You drop your anchor in the middle of the cove, and set up to stern lines to the shore, tied to a rock or a tree. Do not use bowline as they will not undo under tension. Two round turns and two half hitches is much better. That way many boats can fit even into a small cove.
Nice calm and collected, good pointers for docking. I have a Dufour 43, sailing solo, and initially need to start with a bit of reverse speed to get rudder to grip, but stating early in reverse is key, and then slowing down as you did. Envious of the space you have, my boat is 4,3meters wide and the berth 5meters, so it is a tighter squeeze and you have to make the turn, have the speed and control the boat right the first time. Nice video. A thing I do if there is a bit of wind blowing me onto the dock, I make fast the two stern lines, put the boat in forward gear low power setting to pull away from the dock, and the fasten lazy lines, if needed upwind first. I may also use bow thruster to control direction of the bow.
Thank you very much, very kind words. Yes there was plenty of space this time! That time from fwd to stopped to reverse can be stressful on the windy days as you have no control for that moment until she tracks through the water and bites. I have quite often had to put the bigger yacht (Hanse 548) into a gap smaller than her! Worst was in Starigrad on Hvar, we were very late in and had to put the bum in and wiggle our way in squeezing the others out! Fenders got a workout 😅
Just starting my sailing journey. Finished a basic cruising standard course in 2020 and am now determined to live the life. Thank you for your videos. Fair winds.
Congratulations! Small steps and pushing outside your comfort zone, and, amazingly, you’ll develop your skills! It’s a blast learning new things and having occasional errors and excitement! Cheers!
I am so glad yours are the first docking and boat handling videos I stumbled upon. Very clear, great detail and wonderful attitude. Thank to you both!! , and thanks for both the snapping turtle and the prop wash explanations.
There are only a few really helpful videos that demonstrate how docking can be made correctly, showing how to manage the moorings and the stern lines. Also the 0 8 00 technique is so cool and seems to be way easier to handle than the convetional one. I wish there was more videos like this to get into with the docking manuever. Thanx Do you think it is a good idea to already have the two sternlines in perfect length (so that the boat is about 2,5 meters from the pier, when going forward into the prepared sternlines). In this case the marinero only has to put the loops over the bollard and the stern lines are already on board.
Hi Nick, nice video. Lazy lines are part of the lazy jack system. And a tip if you are making the follow up: "Sailing Away from the berth": Don't use the bowthruster too soon (when it is windy). When dropping the mooring lines the small helpline needs time to sink, otherwise there is a chance of being sucked into the bowthruster. (Own experience).
Hey Chiel. Thanks for the explanation. Indeed, some to refer to the lines for the lazy bag as 'lazy lines', though they are more commonly called 'lazy jacks' (separated into risers and legs). When we refer to mooring stern-to with lazy lines, this is the name given to the system used in the marinas here in Croatia. You used the term 'helpline' which I am presuming refers to the line that attaches from the dock to the mooring line. We call this the 'lazy line' as this line should never comes under load. Hence why it is 'lazy'. Just like we say 'lazy sheet' when referring to a sheet not under load.
With the bow thrusters yes absolutely agree, and on the way out of the berth there should be very little need for thrusters until the yacht is at least half way out of the berth. If the marina/dock has set up the lines properly, the lazy line (smaller gauge line attached to the mooring line and the dock for those reading the comment out of context) should be no where near your bow on release, and have plenty of length so there is no tension back to the dock to catch rudders, props etc. And in saying that even the large gauge mooring line can catch on drop down thrusters. Just have to be so careful and aware of this every time.
Thank you for your efforts to upload this excellent tutorial. One of the best in YT. I'm also very curious to see the next video with 40 knots of cross wind. Greetings from Germany ah
Thank you very much! Yes I need to get that one done. Though I must say the footage really does not show the conditions, very hard thing to film effectively. We will keep working on it!
Great video Nick. Thanks! My berth is about the width of my boat's beam. Sometimes I do not put my fenders on to avoid overlapping with my neighbors fenders. It stops the back stearing of my boat. Another problem is being very careful that the marineros pass you the correct lazy lines. I have a double rudder and twice they got stuck on one of them. They can damage rhe edge of the rudder. If I feel any tension when walking forward I just drop the line and make sure that I get the proper one.
Yes they sometimes can hand you a problem waiting to happen! No marina, nor marinero is created equally! All the more reason to get that control line on first. Thanks Isaac
Thanks for the Video! When you are talking about the hitches, you say they are easier to undo in an emergency, but you have a bowline knot over the cleat to start with. Try to undo that one in a emergency under tension, simply not possible. I learned the hard way to always start with a cleat hitch….just an fyi….we all know, 3 sailors, 5 opinions :)
😂 it’s so true. Everyone has their way! And yes. Ideally I would do the same. Cleat hitch. Around/through the fixing and back into the cleat. The issue with this on modern charter yachts is space! With a cleat hitch already on it is often very hard to fit all the rest on. So we split the difference. If you can let can the bitter end with no knots in it then it should pull out and be able to be retrieved back even though the bowline is over the cleat. Not perfect.
You are a brave man. The OXO Vs Hitch is an old argument that I've even heard of people coming to blows over. Done properly I believe both are valid, I lived/worked on a boat for 3 yrs never had a problem with hitches, however, I have seen problems with people using unnecessary wraps/hitches creating rats nests over cleats. As you rightly point out professionally run boats will probably have a standard policy.
Haha. Indeed it is! Completely agree with that. And I take my hat off to other creators putting themselves out there, some of the comments that come through are so negative! Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments.
@@45DegreesSailing Couldn't agree more. Sharing ideas, alternatives, and constructive criticism is one thing. Personal attacks and abuse are unnecessary, unpleasant and counterproductive.
I do almost what you did, the only difference is that after I get my first stern line I put the boat in forward so I don’t have to worry about hitting the dock, then I pick up the lazy line being very careful and putting it over the bumpers since the prop is running and I go to the bow to tighten up the two bow lines, then I came back and do the remaining stern line.
Yes that is exactly right. I would do the same had there been any wind to speak of. You can see this technique in out other docking video: th-cam.com/video/jULddr4KA50/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the comment! And yes very important to be careful of the lazy lines potentially catching in the prop. Especially if they are short (often happens after someone catches it in the prop, it gets cut and retied but the line is too short)
As a reformed commercial fisherman who has gone over to "blow boating" I had always been taught that you are never done cleating off until you flip a loop and hitch it down. Then a couple years back this English chap (who was admittedly a bit cranky) noticed how I was cleating off, and questioned me on it like I had commited some form of cardinal sin while desecrating a temple of some form. Right irritable fellow, but every now and again he would make a good point, and yes sometimes the OXO is indeed easier to get undone, but at least in my experience you have to load it right up before it cinches down on you. To each their own. Also I've had the pleasure of playing bumper boats on a Bavaria 51, that twin rudder had me all types of baffled, got her mostly lined up to go starboard side to and went to give her a bump ahead to shove her rear end in a bit and nothing damn well happened, so me in my infinite wisdom and nearly 30 years of single rudders unly decided screw it I'll spring in, which only served to swing her stern out more and cause the fenders at the bow to protest. I then started getting flustered, and force of habit and practice took over and just made everything worse. Thank god for fenders! Ended up full sideways pinned in a corner by the breeze feeling big enough to use a thimble as a bath. Took a lot of "Norwegian Steam" to fix that mess. Then some good brandy to ease the skippers pain!
I have to say Jayson this is one of the most lyrical comments I have had on the channel! We love the way you write! Yes that twin rudder situation can be a bit of a surprise to the normal manoeuvring tactics for sure. Thanks for watching and the support. Takes a real skipper to be able to admit and share stories like this one, so thank you again, we are all richer for it. Hope to see more of of you on the channel. (And by the looks of my notifications you are working your way through our videos!)
Well made video and great instruction, very clear and easy to understand. Thank you. Subscribed and looking forward to perusing more videos. Didn't know about cleat hitch vs OXXOO, I know my less experienced crew will be happy this adjustment.
@@45DegreesSailing sure was. Even if I do a bit of the same job as you, but in much colder waters (SWE) :-) . Anyways, always trying to learn more, and as I mentioned, I really liked your presentation. :-) Now eagerly waiting for you to post a vid on how to manage the same single handed docking with 20+ knots of wind on the beam - that situation always makes me very nervous.... :-)
Yep certainly looks and feels very different in 25knots! Even 12 knots cross wind can make things challenging for those not seasoned to it. Still working on be able to film the windy singe handed on and get the drone in the air and safely back! The videos do not make enough money to justify losing a drone!
I cannot understand this comments "this is not single-handed-docking". Of course it is! It doesn't matter if the solo- Skipper gets help from Marinero. At the vessel the skipper is single-handed. Nick, I appreciate a lot your efforts in this video's. As profesional Skipper, instructor and examiner I see all the benefits in your tutorials for beginners and advanced sailors. Keep on going! 👍 Greatings from Germany ah
Completely agree mate. And, you will always have some who need to have their voice heard. And that's ok! They are boosting my channel with comments 😜 Thank you for the feedback. Great to hear you and others are getting benefit from the videos.
you’re a douche bag 💪🏽 you make an unnecessary comment on TH-cam mocking someone you don’t even know and completely missing the point of the video. funny how your dumb comment took way less time than making this video. crawl away.
Thanks Deb. Yes, especially in full marinas or Riva/promenade docks in the summer you will be beam to beam with the yachts either side of you. Leaving early can be a challenge getting out at sometimes you are ‘squeezed’ in and have to manage your fenders over each other as you leave.
This is the most practical instruction video on docking stern to - thanks - what would be helpful is docking instructions when wind is blowing .
Thanks for the feedback. And yes, working on picking the right conditions to be able to have someone filming the docking while the wind is blowing!
Have not seen a docking with a bow line like that as, here in Australia, we usually have fingers to tie off to on one or both sides. Well explained. Thanks.
Most welcome Linsay. Yes that’s very common in Aus, NZ. This system can be a bit of shock when you get here if you are not prepared for it!
Hey Nick! YT's algorithm made me discover your awesome channel. Now, we're best friend! But, I also have to binge watch 300+ vids. OMG, I'll never get to the water!
Haha, thanks mate! Will keep an eye out for your comments.
Your videos really help me gain more confidence, great tip about where to sit during maneuvering.
Thanks Nicolo. Glad they were helpful :)
Thanks
Hvala vam puno! These totally make our day!
Hi Nick, my wife and I saw all your mooring and méditerranéen docking videos for our Croatia sailing trip, we used all your techniques. You helped us a lot. Thanks to your videos we had a safe trip, we thank you. Alain from Canada
Thanks Alain! I’m stoked they were helpful 👍🏽
Love the stern line figure 8 and 3 loops and toss to the hand!
Thanks Sarah. Yes I can take full credit for this one, it just made sense after watching the dock staff fumble with so much line!
Lazy lines make life so much easier. Was sailng in Greece this summer and you had to lay our anchor to secure our bow in the small ports we visited. Lots of potential for crossed anchor chains.
Yes. Med-mooring with an anchor is much harder than with lazy lines! I also have a video on that manoeuvre: th-cam.com/video/LAXLLNP48t8/w-d-xo.html
I’ve watched this several times over the past months... and I’ve got to say this is the absolutely BEST instructional video on how to dock! (For whatever it’s worth, I’m a charter skipper on similar boats (albeit in much colder waters ;-)
Thanks Tommy! Appreciate the positive feedback :) where are you sailing out of?
@@45DegreesSailing Stockholm, Sweden.
@@tolex3 that certainly is colder!
your a charter captain and this video helped you? 🤔 for the sake of your employer, i wouldnt let the world know who you work for if you need to watch a youtube video to reverse a boat into a dock on a calm day. holy moses. how have you been getting into pens before now? i mean.... here in australia you must go though months and years of training to get your commercial right to operate a vessel in a commercial capacity. if one of my skippers showed me this video and told me how much it helped him he would be fired immediately. are you indian by chance?...
@@freelectron2029your reading comprehension isn’t too sharp there… if you wana be a dick, have at it. if you want to look like a dick, don’t read a comment properly and make stupid and racist assumptions 😂🤦🏽♀️
Thanx, very helpful and clear, no-nonsense approach to stern to docking!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much :)
Probably the best video I've seen about stern-to docking.
Appreciate that! How do you think we could make it even better?
(more wind would have been my call! I cannot control the weather though!)
@@45DegreesSailing maybe add some graphical reference points/distances to the neighbor boats while you turn into the mooring place. When to start the turn, how far from the bow of the other boats, be aware of the lazy lines of other boats.
@@cornelceapchi9700 alright great. Next one I will consider this :)
Nice presentation!
Thank you! Hope it was helpful.
This is well explained, thanks for that! It would be interesting to repeat it with a heavier breeze ;)
Yep working on it! I have some videos in much windier. It is challenging to get the drone up and the camera out on days with guests and lots of wind!
I watched almost all of your videos and would like to thank you for doing such a great job, went for my 1st skipper sail in Croatia past week and it was super helpful!
@@jonasadam8965 great to hear! Who did you charter with? How did it go?
Very useful ahead of our flotilla holiday in Greece - thank you
Thanks Jack, glad it was helpful! Have a great trip
This is just about the best video presentation that I have seen about stern to mooring with lazy lines. Irrespective that you have done this single-handed, every action was explained in order, and in detail. Really good. One thing I would say is that you mentioned that you would drive against the attached stern line in windy conditions and I agree with this, but when doing this, you do have to be a bit careful with the 'loose' end of the lazy line dropping back under the stern. If it is long enough, i tend to drop it over the inside of the safety lines and onto the boat or get a crew member to hold it high. You may have done it already and I haven't seen it, but mooring stern to with lazy lines in a crosswind would also be a very valuable video presentation. I had such a set of conditions last weekend in abnormal weather in Corfu.
Thank you for the comment and feedback. It is much appreciated as you can imagine we have a lot of comments on the other side of constructive!
Yes this loose end or ‘lazy’ end often made from lighter thinner line that attaches to the pier is a huge consideration when doing this manoeuvre. The best of the dock hands will hold the end clear as it is taken to the bow to ensure it staying away from the prop. I have a few videos of crosswind control lines, maybe some docking ones though I have not had the .. ‘opportunity with the right weather and time in the moment’ lol to film this. Also once it hits a certain level getting the drone up is also risky. I will see what I can find for you and post in another comment
Using a Control Line: Docking Stern to
th-cam.com/video/mWCDFvag56A/w-d-xo.html
I can not thank you enough for your video. I just single hand moored in Stari Grad. So so so helpful. This video is full of amazing tips from start to finish.
That’s great to hear! Enjoy Stari Grad. Remember to go to Za Pod Zub! 😉
Nick's instruction is tremendous. He dances around the boat.
😂 Thanks Rick!
Super high quality video, easy but still spot on, just how I like it. Well done!
Thanks!
Amazing instructional. Doubt that even the most ardent keyboard warriors would find an issue with anything you’ve done in this manoeuvre.
Absolutely fantastic video thanks for sharing !
Thank you very much. And yes they manage to find plenty to complain about 😂
REALLY NICE-I really like your focus on pre-docking and all the detail-I didn't watch the whole thing, but I hope you encouraged people to practice, practice ALONE, not with friends & family aboard. Early Sunday morning is a great time with little traffic then. ALSO, if you haven't, a video about docking in wind and current (which weren't present here) would be great for folks.. Cheers.
Thanks Will. Yes I need to make the time and situation to be able to film this well! Its tough when working. We get very little tide/current here in Croatia so I will have to save that one for when I travel. But 20 knots on the beam is very common!
Hello... très belles explications et démonstration.... beaucoup (voir tous ) de personnes qui louent un bateau devraient voir et étudier cet épisode ....BRAVO....
Jack from CROATIA
Thanks Jack!
Excellent stuff Nick. Thanks
Thanks Roy. Hope it was helpful!
Thank you for teaching me so well, and thanks to the person who taught you. 👌🏾
@@Coatsey007 haha. You are most welcome 🙏🏼
Probably the best docking video ever.
Why thank you sir. I appreciate you stopping in to leave this comment. Cheers!
Great filming Mahina!
Yes! Very easy to follow :) much better than when I do it on my own!
Great video! That's exactly how I do it except I do OXO only for temporary use... after I'm happy with my position i do the "proper" cleat knot. Remember to throw windward line first from the stern and always, when going parallel to the dock during initial approach, you want to go stern towards the wind if it blows sideways to the dock. My Bav 36 doesnt have a bow thruster so with side wind I want to dock in a position where my downwind side of the hull will have another boat to rest on with my fenders... if there are none, after throwing the stern line I have to put on forward and steer a bit towards the windward side so the boat stays balanced on one line... only after that I take the mooring line.
Very helpful, confidence is contagious
Thanks fabulous! Maybe catch you in Trogir one day 👍
Sounds great! Feel free to come up and say hi if you see us around 🙃
I really loved this video and I learned OXOO that is actually way better than hitches.
I loved also your other docking videos, I will use it to teach my unskilled crew.
Great to hear! Thanks for the comments :)
In Croatia, almost every marinero start to pull the mooring line first. However, we know that the most important line on docking maneuver - stern to, is the windward stern line. So, if you will first time sail in Croatia - prepare yourself. Congratulations for very nice video and explanation.
Totally agree. And thanks for the comments. That control line is so important in any docking/manoeuvring procedure. If you can learn control lines then single handed or crewed, your job becomes so much easier.
That's also how I do it every time. Get the windward stern line (or both) set up first, engage the engine forward and you have all the time in the world. :-) Nice video.
Excellent video!! Yes, there's no wind but you don't get to choose the weather. 😂 It would be great to do the same video with somw crosswinds. Also, a video of leaving the dock with crosswinds while squeezed between two boats, that would be amazing!! Hopefully you get lucky with the weather at some point 😂. Thanks for making these videos, they are by far the most useful ones we found on TH-cam so far.
There is this one: th-cam.com/video/2OJLERhBt3c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=fO8iKcf-ugcaUKCs
Though not much of a cross wind.
This one is with a cross wind. I need to do a commentary though: th-cam.com/video/YlZd-VqifhU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZdivMie8PGVjMcZf
This is the one! th-cam.com/video/jaGZ22t-Z9g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mOjVCcQyM3c8Cosh
No drone or though lol. Was raining 🌧️
Mate you have made me nostalgic just watching this. Pre covid is sailed each a week in Croatia in 2019 and 2018 (2 separate weeks in 2019) and absolutely loved it and miss it. Can’t wait to get back. Start out from Marina Kremik near Primosten and normally Trogir, Milna, Vis, Hvar and if winds are with use Korcula. Milna, Vis and Trogir are “chefs kiss”. If you’re ever in Stockholm… you’ve got a beer on me. Cheers for the video. -An Aussie in Sweden
Haha mate thats brilliant. I'll remember that one! Have not made it to Sweden yet. See you in Stockholm
Happy memories of my Med sailing days. Like you, it was always a flat calm when I was ST mooring….
@@bobcresswell5031 lol. It’s not always flat calm out here 🤣 most of the time 15-20 knots afternoon breeze!
@@45DegreesSailing 🤣🤣🤣Would be good to see a video of arrival at Kastos, 12 max on the wall, as the 81st boat in a 20kt wind.
@@bobcresswell5031 yeh I have heard. I haven’t done Greece yet but would by up for that challenge 😉
I don’t always have the time and the boat when the weather is good to teach/film in!
So glad I found your video. I’m new at all this and trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you for sharing.
Most welcome!
Great video, thanks Nick
Thanks Keith, glad you enjoyed it.
Nice video of the hardest part of boating.
Thanks TM, yes it can certainly be a challenge! Thanks for the comment
Well done, excellent communication...working my way through purchasing a Gozzard right now...about four weeks out if all goes well and then I'll be approaching my slip for the first time:)
I sail in the Solent normally but am bareboat chartering a cat in Greece in 2 weeks firs the first time - this helps, thanks!
Most welcome. Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Nick for a great explanation. One problem I encountered. I had a motor boat crew member lift the lazy line so high and too early that it caught on the bulb of my keel and because of language issues (it was in Greece Sept 2021) he didn't understand what had happened. No big problem as there was only light winds. Being prepared and having an understanding of the whole process as well as how to resolve it without cross words or shouting, makes for good relationship with other boatys.
Yeh that does happen! And it can be very tough explaining in the moment to people, that you would prefer not to have their help in a situation.
Nick, just bought myself a little lug rigged dinghy, your very helpful and nice yacht video was a great tutorial, given me lots of helpful advice. GP east coast england. Raining.!
Thats great it hear Gavin! Good luck with the dinghy and the rain!
Excellent video. Thank you
Thanks Andy 🙂
You did an excellent job covering the docking fundamentals in a simple and straightforward manner.
Thanks Dan, appreciate the feedback.
Stumbled across your channel and your videos are incredible resources for those with larger boats. Thank you for taking the time to put these out there.
Awesome Robert, thank you. We will keep working on making the channel better
@@45DegreesSailing Thank you for responding to me comment. I sail out of San Francisco, California so not sure I will ever make it to Croatia but it looks beautiful. I will definitely add to my sail bucket list.
that one handed knot tie was cool
0800 - never saw this - gonna try it this summer! :-)
Just make sure to cinch in that last 0 for good holding :)
Great video hope to see more of your videos in the future
Hvala Rino. Will keep them coming
Thanks for sharing. I am always with a crew, but I somehow want to go alone for one week .... still in mind, though.
You are welcome Robert. It is truly a great experience to do this single handed.
This is a GREAT docking instruction video! A must-watch for all beginners, but also for people who wonder why they had so much trouble docking in the past...
Thanks Mirko. Appreciate the positive feedback!
Very nice video. I like your videos. I would love to charter one of your boats one day.
Great video. Thank you. If you fancy doing another video…..I need to learn how to dock solo WITHOUT anyone to catch my lines.
Thanks Warren. Try this one 😉
th-cam.com/video/V-cKA-s2lIA/w-d-xo.html
@@45DegreesSailing excellent! Thank you.
I notice you call the next video Solo Docking; haters version. I just wanted to say....I am definitely not hating your vids. Quite the opposite!
@@warrenthorp haha. No problem! I didn’t feel that from you. Just was the example I have with no one on the dock!
Great video. So well explained. 👏👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great instructional video, ideal for anyone chartering in Croatia and worrying about med-mooring.
For those watching from further afield, this is a genuinely useful and accurate depiction of how things pan out on charter boats in Croatia and the Med more widely. Yes, they’ll (probably) have bow thrusters, yes they’ll be someone on the dock. They definitely won’t have long keels and tidal currents…
Thanks Murray. Yes I believe I know the comment you are referring to haha. Thanks for the support. Appreciate it!
Med mooring is actually with the anchor from the bow. This is called lazy line or slime line mooring I think. Big difference.
Hey Nick just discovered your channel. Awesome video on solo stern to docking, the best that I've come across. Thank you! Now off to check out the rest of your content.
Thanks James! Hope it was helpful. Will keep an eye out for your comments!
Great video - well paced and informative. Keep pumping these out pls!
Thanks Kay Jay 😊 I will do! What would you like to see next?
@@45DegreesSailing we’re keen to learn practical skills but also to build up a set of what do do when ‘shit happens’ - so we have safe Plan Bs rather than freaking out. Things like how to safely tow a sailboat, parallel parking at a marina, or how to fix a jammed winch. (And ‘hi’ from Down Under!)
@@kirstyjjamieson ok great suggestions! I’ll see if we can work one of those on todays sail 🙂 Hi right back! Where are tuning in from?
Thanks Nick, Great content. I’ve watched many of your videos and boat reviews, this video more than a few times and your earlier videos about docking with lazy lines. Having only ever docked onto harbours or finger pontoons, these videos have explained the lazy line process clearly. I will be making sure my family and friends will be watching the video to understand prior to sailing in the Med.
I was also pleased the video was filmed in Marina Baotic as was your earlier video about the fuel dock, it was nice to see the marina as I am I’m picking up a charter from there in May2022.
The drone shot taken the point you were on one stern line working on the lazy line shows the yacht having swung a little to starboard, its fenders touching the adjacent yacht. When learning to sail it was stressed to me as important to try and never touch another yacht even with fenders deployed, good aim when training, stops new skippers from being carless or complacent even thou it will happen occasionally, hopefully with fenders in the right place. In docking on lazy lines in the med is it considered likely (normal?) that in docking you will/may brush against a adjacent yacht, as long as fenders are deployed correctly no-one is too upset ?
One of the biggest concerns as a newbie in the Dalmation islands region is looking at anchorages, where the bottom seems to drop in depth very steeply over a short distance, if you swing at anchor its easy to be in the shallows. Have you considered doing a video showing the options available, and when and where you may use stern lines to the shore etc.
Thanks for your video’s, consider doing more video’s on the marina’s and ports/harbours around Split and the islands, given the number of yachts chartered in the area I’m sure there would be many sailers eager to see their possible destinations shown clearly and explained.
Hey Steve. First of all thanks for watching an supporting the channel. Great to see the videos have been helpful! Would love to soo your comments on the other videos you like/have watched. It really helps out with algorithm if you like and comment.🤙🏽🙂
With regards to the docking and touching fenders. Yes it is very normal to make contact with the other yachts. Especially when docking in a decent cross wind in places such as Vis, Stari Grad etc. Also, and I will create a video showing and explaining this after your comments, in the summer months especially, you will be packed in quite tight at most ports, receiving only one bow/mooring line and be pressed against a yacht on either side. This means that you want to have good fender placement on your yacht, and once docked yourself, be ready for the next yacht coming in alongside you as they may also be a fresh skipper and not have great control or fender placement.
Regarding the anchorages, there are many of these spots you mentioned. We are often running stern lines to shore. Though not to avoid swinging into the shallows. I will look at doing a video on this also.
@@45DegreesSailing Thanks for your replies, I look forward to seeing more videos.
@@coswecanvideo5362 as a Croatian sailor, I can confirm about anchoring. Many coves have buoys, you pay for. They usually take your garbage but that is it. No anchoring within 150m from the buoys.
North Adriatic has shallower waters and you can anchor easily, but in the south the coves are deep. And it is considered rude to drop the anchor in the middle and block the cove for others. You drop your anchor in the middle of the cove, and set up to stern lines to the shore, tied to a rock or a tree. Do not use bowline as they will not undo under tension. Two round turns and two half hitches is much better. That way many boats can fit even into a small cove.
Nick- REALLY nice work. Thank you 👍
Thanks Sandy
Great video, we will be using this technique soon!
Glad it was helpful :)
Nice calm and collected, good pointers for docking. I have a Dufour 43, sailing solo, and initially need to start with a bit of reverse speed to get rudder to grip, but stating early in reverse is key, and then slowing down as you did. Envious of the space you have, my boat is 4,3meters wide and the berth 5meters, so it is a tighter squeeze and you have to make the turn, have the speed and control the boat right the first time. Nice video. A thing I do if there is a bit of wind blowing me onto the dock, I make fast the two stern lines, put the boat in forward gear low power setting to pull away from the dock, and the fasten lazy lines, if needed upwind first. I may also use bow thruster to control direction of the bow.
Thank you very much, very kind words. Yes there was plenty of space this time! That time from fwd to stopped to reverse can be stressful on the windy days as you have no control for that moment until she tracks through the water and bites.
I have quite often had to put the bigger yacht (Hanse 548) into a gap smaller than her!
Worst was in Starigrad on Hvar, we were very late in and had to put the bum in and wiggle our way in squeezing the others out! Fenders got a workout 😅
Just starting my sailing journey. Finished a basic cruising standard course in 2020 and am now determined to live the life. Thank you for your videos. Fair winds.
Excellent to hear Matthew! Congratulations. To you also. 4 feet under the keel!
Congratulations! Small steps and pushing outside your comfort zone, and, amazingly, you’ll develop your skills! It’s a blast learning new things and having occasional errors and excitement! Cheers!
I am so glad yours are the first docking and boat handling videos I stumbled upon. Very clear, great detail and wonderful attitude. Thank to you both!! , and thanks for both the snapping turtle and the prop wash explanations.
Thats great Michelle! I am glad too.
There are only a few really helpful videos that demonstrate how docking can be made correctly, showing how to manage the moorings and the stern lines. Also the 0 8 00 technique is so cool and seems to be way easier to handle than the convetional one. I wish there was more videos like this to get into with the docking manuever. Thanx
Do you think it is a good idea to already have the two sternlines in perfect length (so that the boat is about 2,5 meters from the pier, when going forward into the prepared sternlines). In this case the marinero only has to put the loops over the bollard and the stern lines are already on board.
Hi Nick, nice video. Lazy lines are part of the lazy jack system.
And a tip if you are making the follow up: "Sailing Away from the berth": Don't use the bowthruster too soon (when it is windy). When dropping the mooring lines the small helpline needs time to sink, otherwise there is a chance of being sucked into the bowthruster. (Own experience).
Hey Chiel. Thanks for the explanation. Indeed, some to refer to the lines for the lazy bag as 'lazy lines', though they are more commonly called 'lazy jacks' (separated into risers and legs).
When we refer to mooring stern-to with lazy lines, this is the name given to the system used in the marinas here in Croatia. You used the term 'helpline' which I am presuming refers to the line that attaches from the dock to the mooring line. We call this the 'lazy line' as this line should never comes under load. Hence why it is 'lazy'. Just like we say 'lazy sheet' when referring to a sheet not under load.
🤦🏽♀️ Theres always one
With the bow thrusters yes absolutely agree, and on the way out of the berth there should be very little need for thrusters until the yacht is at least half way out of the berth.
If the marina/dock has set up the lines properly, the lazy line (smaller gauge line attached to the mooring line and the dock for those reading the comment out of context) should be no where near your bow on release, and have plenty of length so there is no tension back to the dock to catch rudders, props etc. And in saying that even the large gauge mooring line can catch on drop down thrusters. Just have to be so careful and aware of this every time.
🤣
Some of the best videos I’ve seen. Very concise and to the point. Thanks
Thanks Charlie. Glad they are helpful!
Thank you for your efforts to upload this excellent tutorial. One of the best in YT.
I'm also very curious to see the next video with 40 knots of cross wind.
Greetings from Germany
ah
Thank you very much! Yes I need to get that one done. Though I must say the footage really does not show the conditions, very hard thing to film effectively. We will keep working on it!
Great video Nick. Thanks! My berth is about the width of my boat's beam. Sometimes I do not put my fenders on to avoid overlapping with my neighbors fenders. It stops the back stearing of my boat. Another problem is being very careful that the marineros pass you the correct lazy lines. I have a double rudder and twice they got stuck on one of them. They can damage rhe edge of the rudder. If I feel any tension when walking forward I just drop the line and make sure that I get the proper one.
Yes they sometimes can hand you a problem waiting to happen! No marina, nor marinero is created equally! All the more reason to get that control line on first. Thanks Isaac
Thanks for the Video! When you are talking about the hitches, you say they are easier to undo in an emergency, but you have a bowline knot over the cleat to start with. Try to undo that one in a emergency under tension, simply not possible. I learned the hard way to always start with a cleat hitch….just an fyi….we all know, 3 sailors, 5 opinions :)
😂 it’s so true. Everyone has their way! And yes. Ideally I would do the same. Cleat hitch. Around/through the fixing and back into the cleat. The issue with this on modern charter yachts is space! With a cleat hitch already on it is often very hard to fit all the rest on. So we split the difference. If you can let can the bitter end with no knots in it then it should pull out and be able to be retrieved back even though the bowline is over the cleat. Not perfect.
You are a brave man. The OXO Vs Hitch is an old argument that I've even heard of people coming to blows over. Done properly I believe both are valid, I lived/worked on a boat for 3 yrs never had a problem with hitches, however, I have seen problems with people using unnecessary wraps/hitches creating rats nests over cleats. As you rightly point out professionally run boats will probably have a standard policy.
Haha. Indeed it is! Completely agree with that. And I take my hat off to other creators putting themselves out there, some of the comments that come through are so negative!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comments.
@@45DegreesSailing Couldn't agree more. Sharing ideas, alternatives, and constructive criticism is one thing. Personal attacks and abuse are unnecessary, unpleasant and counterproductive.
Completely. Thanks for the support, will look out for your comments!
Excellent video Nick, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. Was a lot of fun to make!
Nice video dude, very helpful thank's;)
Most welcome. Thanks for tuning in!
I do almost what you did, the only difference is that after I get my first stern line I put the boat in forward so I don’t have to worry about hitting the dock, then I pick up the lazy line being very careful and putting it over the bumpers since the prop is running and I go to the bow to tighten up the two bow lines, then I came back and do the remaining stern line.
Yes that is exactly right. I would do the same had there been any wind to speak of. You can see this technique in out other docking video: th-cam.com/video/jULddr4KA50/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the comment! And yes very important to be careful of the lazy lines potentially catching in the prop. Especially if they are short (often happens after someone catches it in the prop, it gets cut and retied but the line is too short)
Or maybe the wind is already pushing you away from the dock. Marina staff will first fill the side of the pontoon that has you backing into the wind.
As a reformed commercial fisherman who has gone over to "blow boating" I had always been taught that you are never done cleating off until you flip a loop and hitch it down.
Then a couple years back this English chap (who was admittedly a bit cranky) noticed how I was cleating off, and questioned me on it like I had commited some form of cardinal sin while desecrating a temple of some form. Right irritable fellow, but every now and again he would make a good point, and yes sometimes the OXO is indeed easier to get undone, but at least in my experience you have to load it right up before it cinches down on you. To each their own.
Also I've had the pleasure of playing bumper boats on a Bavaria 51, that twin rudder had me all types of baffled, got her mostly lined up to go starboard side to and went to give her a bump ahead to shove her rear end in a bit and nothing damn well happened, so me in my infinite wisdom and nearly 30 years of single rudders unly decided screw it I'll spring in, which only served to swing her stern out more and cause the fenders at the bow to protest. I then started getting flustered, and force of habit and practice took over and just made everything worse. Thank god for fenders! Ended up full sideways pinned in a corner by the breeze feeling big enough to use a thimble as a bath. Took a lot of "Norwegian Steam" to fix that mess. Then some good brandy to ease the skippers pain!
I have to say Jayson this is one of the most lyrical comments I have had on the channel! We love the way you write!
Yes that twin rudder situation can be a bit of a surprise to the normal manoeuvring tactics for sure. Thanks for watching and the support. Takes a real skipper to be able to admit and share stories like this one, so thank you again, we are all richer for it. Hope to see more of of you on the channel. (And by the looks of my notifications you are working your way through our videos!)
Great video good to see you back doing great sailing videos
Thanks Steve. Good to be doing it!
That was extremely helpful and informative. Thank you.
Super well explained. Thanks. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Well made video and great instruction, very clear and easy to understand. Thank you. Subscribed and looking forward to perusing more videos. Didn't know about cleat hitch vs OXXOO, I know my less experienced crew will be happy this adjustment.
Awesome, thank you! Glad it was helpful. Where are you sailing mainly?
Very Helpful. Thank you!
Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful!
Very smooth, good job
Hvala Savvas
Really informative, thanks very much 🙂
You're welcome 😎
Great clear & simple video
Cheers!
Great video mate!
Cheers!
brilliant video enjoyed every second thank you
Rapt to hear that! Thanks for the comment
Very controlled. Nice and clear.
Thanks Tommy. Hope it was helpful 😊
@@45DegreesSailing sure was. Even if I do a bit of the same job as you, but in much colder waters (SWE) :-) . Anyways, always trying to learn more, and as I mentioned, I really liked your presentation. :-)
Now eagerly waiting for you to post a vid on how to manage the same single handed docking with 20+ knots of wind on the beam - that situation always makes me very nervous.... :-)
@@tolex3 Yes! I just have to find the conditions and the time! Hopefully the season will get us this opportunity this year.
Thanks for the support!
@@45DegreesSailing Looking fwd to it. (And if I ever get to visit Croatia, I’ll look you up and buy you a beer! :-)
@@tolex3 deal
Looks good to me would be be good to see how it’s done in a good breeze .. practise makes perfect 👍🏻
Yep certainly looks and feels very different in 25knots! Even 12 knots cross wind can make things challenging for those not seasoned to it. Still working on be able to film the windy singe handed on and get the drone in the air and safely back! The videos do not make enough money to justify losing a drone!
I cannot understand this comments "this is not single-handed-docking". Of course it is! It doesn't matter if the solo- Skipper gets help from Marinero. At the vessel the skipper is single-handed.
Nick, I appreciate a lot your efforts in this video's. As profesional Skipper, instructor and examiner I see all the benefits in your tutorials for beginners and advanced sailors. Keep on going! 👍
Greatings from Germany
ah
Completely agree mate. And, you will always have some who need to have their voice heard. And that's ok! They are boosting my channel with comments 😜
Thank you for the feedback. Great to hear you and others are getting benefit from the videos.
Excellent video
Thanks Greg!
Fantastic ! ! !
Glad you like it!!!
You're the man! 💪
You docked a boat with bow trusters, in no wind, with a guy helping you, in a spot where two boats would fit.
Well done!
🤣
you’re a douche bag 💪🏽 you make an unnecessary comment on TH-cam mocking someone you don’t even know and completely missing the point of the video. funny how your dumb comment took way less time than making this video. crawl away.
and you apparently can do it from your couch!
@@JasonChaffeeMusic why?
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Apparently single-handed docking is done by radioing for help. 😂
Excellent. Cheers.
Thanks Edward. Most welcome.
Great video. I was surprised the boats are laying side by side against the fenders.
Thanks Deb. Yes, especially in full marinas or Riva/promenade docks in the summer you will be beam to beam with the yachts either side of you. Leaving early can be a challenge getting out at sometimes you are ‘squeezed’ in and have to manage your fenders over each other as you leave.
Great video, perfectly done.
Thanks George ☺️
Bravo 👏
Hvala :)
Gold mate keep going 👌
Thanks Kevin, will do!
Very helpful. Thanks
Hvala 😌
Wow awesome
Hvala!
Nice job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice job.
Hvala
Great video thanks
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
Good explanation and technique , can you make it compulsory for ALL charterers 😆
Lol that would be good wouldn't it!
This was helpful!
Good to hear Mary