Docking strategies – How to build your docking skills with Rick Ellis

by Bluewater Cruising Association on 24 Mar 2017 Do you find some docking conditions challenging? Whether you are a single-handed sailor, an inexperienced crew or a confident helmsman, you will grow new skills and turn your boat handling and communication from stress to success. Instructor Rick Ellis, who also delivers BCA’s very popular Psychology of Voyaging workshops, lends his years of boating experience and professional facilitation expertise to help you develop your docking skills. Rick’s unique approach to this topic, which combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and personal consultation, generated rave reviews from participants when he first “launched” the course in 2015.

Topics include:
• Setting up docking procedures and roles that lead to consistent and effective teamwork and success
• Communication systems that work
• Effective use of engine power and why confidence is so important to docking.
• Docking with just one line – the breast line – how to set it up and use it.
• Fenders – getting the right size and position to assist procedures
• Manoeuvring and backing down in tight spaces – effective combination of rudder and power
• Safety while docking

This unique workshop combines classroom theory with hands-on experience, and is offered in three parts:

Part 1: Saturday April 22, 9:00am – 1:00 pm, at Royal Victoria Yacht Club
The first classroom session will review the principles of docking and provide best practices, tips and techniques to get your boat on and off the dock efficiently and safely. Participants will then complete a worksheet that translates the general information to specific application on their boat, and develop a practice plan for their boat.

Part 2: April 23 – May 12
Practice on your boat – three weeks to apply the worksheet and practice plan from the classroom and hone procedures that work for your boat. Rick will be available for consultation during this time.

Part 3: Saturday May 13, 9:00am – 1:00 pm, at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club
The second classroom session will review your practice and what you learned about your boat and yourself, what worked and what didn’t, and include a discussion of how to solve outstanding problems.

Royal Victoria Yacht Club (Sat Apr 22) and Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club (Sat May 13)
22 Apr 2017 0900h - 1300h to 13 May 2017
Members $80?/?Non-Members $110

This article has been provided courtesy of the Bluewater Cruising Association.