Singlehanded docking in sailboat | in and out of the slip

This is how I'm docking my sailboat singlehanded, most of the time. I hope you can use it or some parts of it :) Practice in light or no wind and then progressively in more wind and from different directions. This video was recorded in low wind conditions, but you can use this method in stronger winds too. If any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you.

[@martinrasmussen]

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[@dreamtimesv]

Very smooth and unrushed, nice. Never seen berths like that before, I’m used to the pontoon type.

[@martinrasmussen]

This type of berths are common in Denmark and parts of Sweden. Thanks for watching 👌🏼

[@rmcnabb]

Nice and smooth. It would be interesting to see more people docking in a crosswind, that changes everything.

[@martinrasmussen]

Thanks for watching. Crosswind can be a challenge, for sure.

[@billcook6886]

Our club is planning a marina rebuild. Your Marina's slip dividers are unique and very simple. Ours is a 150 slip floating marina with sailboats only.

[@martinrasmussen]

Thanks for watching, and good luck with your rebuild👍🏼

[@davidmalone9022]

I like the metal dividers for the slips. I'm in a double wide slip, sharing with a 35' power boat (I have a 38' Ericson.) I always have to be attentive to the other boat when leaving and re-entering the slip. Also, coming into the slip, it's great if I have a wind that is pushing me onto the dock, but trickier if the wind is pushing me off - again, putting the other guy's boat into play.

[@martinrasmussen]

Hi David, single slip is to prefer, agree on that. No matter the cross winds, you can always "parking" the boat to one of the sides. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@prebennyeng5496]

Nice video, thanks. Just curious, where is this?

[@martinrasmussen]

Ishøj Harbor and thanks for watching :)

[@djmydlack]

Wow, this just came up in my feed without searching or anything - I am splashing my own sailboat (alone) in the next 48 hours and docking into my new slip is all I can think about. I wonder what the line-hook-pole thing you were using. I'll go search for something like that. Thanks so much.

[@martinrasmussen]

Wish you the best of luck with the new slip. The hook is great for moorings, etc. You can push at pull lines through moorings.

[@pauldent7067]

Well controlled and no stress, easier withhout any assistance tbh, no confusion.

[@martinrasmussen]

Thanks Paul, and yes agree 👌🏻

[@Wayfaring_Stranger1]

Why do you release the windward side lines first? My instinct would have been to release the leeward line first that way the boat rides the windward line taught. Just curious.

[@martinrasmussen]

The boat is already at the leeward side of the slip up against the fenders. Preventing the bow from getting to fast downwind in the crosswinds. Pulling the starboard line, when in reverse, turns the bow to port side.

[@jxdigital]

Relaxing video, looking forward to the season, still lots of boat jobs to finish for me... However, next time upload the video without all the cuts please! For example, you skipped/cut out the interesting parts where you stopped after entering the slip too fast, etc. etc. Also with wind for the side, 4bft, 11kn+ would be nice. Last few years I learned a lot of tricks to do this solo.

[@martinrasmussen]

Thanks for watching, and happy sailing to you ⛵️

[@SuperDirk1965]

I just put my engine in forward until the bow touches the pontoon. I then release all lines that are still holding the boat. Then astern out of the slip. Docking is done in reverse order, sail the boat gently against te pontoon, put the helm to one side so the boat rests against the finger pontoon, attach the lines that keep her from floating out of the dock. Put her in astern, attach the remainder of the lines and ready.

[@martinrasmussen]

Great tip👌🏻. Unfortunately, it's not possible in my slip, iron, and wood.

[@SuperDirk1965]

@@martinrasmussen I have a fender screwed to the pontoon and I'm not afraid of scratching my boat. It will show marks of use anyway so I don't feel the need of trying to make it look like it just came from the yard new. Boat is over 50 years old.

[@martinrasmussen]

@@SuperDirk1965 as long it works ⛵️

[@CraasHworks]

Do you have the original motor onboard still? Sounds like it, and smokes like it 😊

[@martinrasmussen]

Yes indeed 👌🏻

[@woestewolden1379]

Prachtige opname. Zo heerlijk rustig. Maar het nut ontgaat me bij windkracht 0. De box is zo smal dat je geen kant op geblazen kunt worden. Het is wel heel therapeutisch. Succes! 👌

[@martinrasmussen]

Bedankt voor het kijken 👌🏻

[@kingwah9009]

They not your ropes you threw on deck
?

[@martinrasmussen]

It's the bow dock lines

[@kingwah9009]

I see

[@martinrasmussen]

Thanks for watching