Solo docking sailboat - a step by step guide

I am obviously not a pro or very experienced. This is just an example of how I solo dock my boat in my slip. The exact steps/process change depending on wind and current. Getting in the slip is usually not too difficult. Getting the first spring line attached can be a challenge if the wind is blowing me off the finger pier.
Of course it can all go wrong. But that is usually because of poor situational awareness. When it does staying calm can be a struggle, at least for me. but that and being willing to start over or go to plan b is important.... at least for me.
docking a boat for beginners.... how I do it on my boat

[@larryguitar5902]

Nice job. No damage to boat or dock. No panic or yelling. That's a solid 4.0. I have never warmed up to the "face aft" when reverse concept but a lot of people do it that way and recommend it. However I completely agree on the strategy of spring line first and using it as a pivot as needed. I avoid relying boat hook because it's another complication and I tend to fumble too much. Rather I usually get enough dock line that I can throw around the dock cleat in a big lasso arc and then just pull it to secure the boat until I replace it with something shorter. Also I alternate between "stern in" and "bow in" depending upon the conditions. Easier to come in bow in but easier to go out with stern in. Six one half dozen.

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

Thanks for watching and the positive comment. My boat backs very well and quick glance toward the bow, if needed, is easier to me than a bunch of glances toward the direction I am trying to go. I have been considering lassoing the cleat from the boat as you do. But my sailing experience is limited, and tossing lines under stress is not a skill I have yet developed. So scooping up the line with a dock stick seems more reliable... but I have doubts as getting the line with the stick can also be challenging when under a lot of stress.

[@SCCFORUM]

Very smooth Chuck👍🏻 ⛵

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

Thanks. It is a long video. But it may be helpful for newer sailors like me.

[@mennovanrij9334]

A comment if I may... I cannot see what's happening behind the GoPro, but I guess there's a moment when you step off the boat to pick up the port spring line that's already on the pier. That's a hairy moment: no one controls the boat and you're ashore. A line with a bowline knot and a hook, on the midship port side cleat will allow you to stay on the boat, hook the line on the cleat ashore and secure the spring on the ship by pulling in the rope.Then you do all other lines and finally, you replace your line with the one already on the finger pier.
There's a short video on YT how to use the hook and the bowline at the same time.

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

Yep I wish I had better video coverage. But I dont step off the boat. I use my dock stick while I am on my side deck to snag the lines on the dock.

[@mennovanrij9334]

@@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck That makes it all clear. Thanks.

[@michaelmooring2105]

Like a pro bro

[@woestewolden1379]

Prachtige opnames. Lekker relaxed. Mocht je een keer in Nederland willen zeilen, dan kan dat. Wij varen met een Bavaria 38-3 Holiday. Hartelijke zeilgroet, Edwin van Noort Ommen 👍⛵

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

Thank you for your kind comments. I would love to go to Holland one day. I worked for, and am friends with, a fellow from Holland.

[@deanbrown5360]

A bit too long getting to the important stuff.

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

Thanks for watching and sharing constructive feedback.