Scenario for leaving the dock

[dmksails]

I've a question on what the best approach is when leaving port. My boat is a 31-ft full keel sailboat (Tashiba-31). I've attached a drawing showing a scenario where wind is blowing across the dock. I'm the lower of the 2 boats shown. The path to the sea requires a couple of turns then goes down a long channel.

What I've done in the past is to back up channel A into B. At that point I usually struggle to get the bow pointed down channel B so I can go forward down B to the main channel.

I know I could back out of the slip with a springline that would pivot the bow up into the wind.

Other than using a springline, what would be my options for completing this operation in a safe, controlled manner?

[boatman61]

Reverse all the way out.. theres no shame in that..

[dmksails]

I've done that, but it's not easy - she backs like a pig on ice.

[Cheechako]

Leave bow line looped on the cleat at the end of your finger pier, (or someone holding on to the bow there.) Back out and let the wind blow the stern downwind. (the bow can't due to the dock) As stern starts downwind, minor boat thrust in reverse for a bit more reverse momentum. Then, as the bow clears the dock, Flip/release the line off the cleat (or dock person climb on with a push.) surge the engine in forward pushing the bow into the wind and go out forward.
Trying to go out in reverse with a Tashiba type boat must be impossible. A lot depends on which way your boat walks in reverse.

[dmksails]

That is the method for using a spring line - which is something I need to practice on. I was wondering about doing this without using a springline

[s/v Moondancer]

I would do what cheechako suggests but I would knock on a few boats and get 2-3 guys out to help. People would rather help than have you hit their boat!

My boat, I would back out as Boatman suggests but I probably reverse better than you.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by dmksails

That is the method for using a spring line - which is something I need to practice on. I was wondering about doing this without using a springline

Yeah, I was thinking of the line as being mostly loose but available. Kinda like walking it out holding the pulpit.

But another thing. I have found with hull shapes like yours, especially if singlehanding.
-at the dock, put the boat in reverse at idle.
-Most boats will not "walk" at idle.
-by the time it exits the slip it will have pretty good reverse momentum. 1-1.5 knots.
-as the bow clears the slip, let the boat continue back as long as possible (before the bow starts blowing down wind )
-immediately turn for left rudder (like turning left moving forward.)
-gun the engine quickly for a moment in forward, this spins the bow into the wind.
- get moving!

(this presumes your boat walks to port like most do, which doesnt help much in your scenario. If yours walks to starboard, then it's easy peasy jockeying the boat.)

[StuM]

Are you familiar with "Back & Fill" turns?

Turning a boat in its own length - Ocean Navigator - Web Exclusives 2015

How to Maneuver in Narrow Channels - BoatSafe.com

In a very similar situation, I "back and fill" in Channel A. On one boat I do a 270° turn to starboard once in the channel because it doesn't like turning to port in that situation.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by StuM

Are you familiar with "Back & Fill" turns?

Turning a boat in its own length - Ocean Navigator - Web Exclusives 2015

How to Maneuver in Narrow Channels - BoatSafe.com

In a very similar situation, I "back and fill" in Channel A. On one boat I do a 270° turn to starboard once in the channel because it doesn't like turning to port in that situation.

/ Len

[lancelot9898]

My boat also does not back well (Tayana 37) so the only way I'm going out of there is putting the bow into the wind. With a light wind you could back and fill, but if the wind is something like 20 knots you need the spring. I've used it singlehanded with it cleated at the stern and then back to the dock cleat and continue back to the helm. I can control the boat easily and once I clear the other boat can wrap the other end of the spring around a cleat and turn that boat into the wind. Once turned just let go of one end and bring the entire spring aboard QUICKY

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by dmksails

My boat is a 31-ft full keel sailboat (Tashiba-31). I've attached a drawing showing a scenario where wind is blowing across the dock. I'm the lower of the 2 boats shown.

Why are you docked bow-to? Would it be easier to leave if you were docked stern-to?

-Chris

[akprb]

Back all the way to Channel C.

It’s obvious :-)

Once you have way on and I’m assuming she backs to port you are in business!

[laika]

Do you have room to maneuver downwind in channel a? Or how about throttle up and a tight spin?

[Bill Seal]

I recently figured out that while backing down the channel, if the propwalk is aiming me toward a protruding bowsprit or such, just kick into neutral and the rudder takes over.
DUH!!

BTW, with a long keel boat, if you throttle up and try to spin, you just hit things harder.

[DennisRyan]

I snorted my coffee out from my nose - "backs like a pig on ice"