Ep 18 Solo Sailing: How I Dock My 40' Sailboat 4 Examples and a Blooper
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2017
- Four examples (and a blooper) under various conditions of how I dock my 40' Bavaria sailboat while solo. These occur in relatively light winds, but I use the same techniques (frequently) in 15-20 kts at my home port of La Rochelle, France (Les Minimes). Notice that in none of these examples do I use the bow-thruster. In reality, I use it more when departing (to help swing the bow at low speed in tight quarters) than on arrival.
It's funny how there are already so many sailing channels but you have posted one of the most useful videos on the web.
Very kind of you ck. I tried to find a volunteer in a bikini, but had no luck. :-)
Your advice is basic and will be much help to beginners who will never go offshore. But you will give them the courage to begin at all Well done.
I am delighted by your comment ck. It is e actly this that i wanted to achieve. Cheers.
Yes. Sailing for 30 years and I learned something as well! Will try this next time out. I back in, so some of this doesn't always translate properly.
Many thanks ISWK. I often back in as well --- so should have filmed that as well. I prefer that method actually, unless a hard X-wind is blowing (the bow can get away from you quickly if you delay at all or go too slow). I drive in bow first at my home base for reasons of privacy. Thanks for watching.
As pilots we always used to say that any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. Docking is the same. Any docking that ends with no damage, no matter how ridiculous it may appear is a good docking.
I think the equivalent saying in sailing is, "Any docking you can swim away from is a good docking!" :-) Very best to you Terrence.
Or any docking where the “equipment can still be fixed”. Excellent series discovered just at the right time for me. Thanks
;-) Thanks for watching Thomas, and good luck with your own sea-going project.
I say any docking where no paint is involved, is a good docking...
:-) Good one Edward.
My applause sir!! You were obviously a 007 in a former life. Very calm under pressure and adapt to what is happening. I am new to sailing...so new I don't have a sailboat yet. Retiring and doing some due diligence. You helped me as I stress at the thought of docking. Fishing for forty years and docking has always been the most stressful place especially when it is busy. Well done sir!
I'm amazed at how calm you are through such stressful manoeuvres. My boat is only 29 feet, and I certainly could not make coherent conversation while trying to dock her alone! The video is definitely helpful, thank you for posting.
Thanks Justin. Many people new to sailing don't realize how difficult/stressful docking a boat can be. And what is 'challenging' for a multi-person crew, becomes 'highly stressful' for a solo sailor. Believe me, I may look calm, but I am stressed, and I have botched many approaches due to a sudden gust of wind, or misjudging the turn radius into the slip. A beer in the port afterwards helps to forget the arrival!
I have always found that marinas and docking is the place most likely for damage or injury to occur. Docking is definitely the most nerve wracking part of a trip.
@@patricklaine6958I think it helps to remember that no one cares, so to speak. Its just you parking your vehicle. Even if you damage someone else's property someday, it is what it is. Doesn't mean you shouldn't try to be perfect every time but the point is to have fun so...
Absolutely perfect narration, you provide an extremely clear assessment of your situation and concerns as conditions change throughout your voyage. Immensely enjoyable.
Very kind of you Diane. Delighted you got something out of my modest adventure. Best regards
Probably the most informative sailing channnel i've found so far.
I'm a novice sailor, and have just purchased a 13m sloop. I confess that I was a little terrified about solo docking in a busy marina, so I studied your video thoroughly and purchased a bow fender. To my huge relief, by using your elegant technique, my first ever docking was effortless, I wanted to hug you! My terrified wife, who utilised your docking stick method as well, was very, very impressed by her excellent 'captain'! Thanks Patrick for your outstanding videos.
Wonderful Ian. You've made my day. Here's wishing for some great sailing adventures for you and you wife. :-)
The wife hopping off and grabbing lines is always best. Don't let her get away with not doing that 😅
I love your videos Patrick. I think it is the old world charm with which you present them that's a real draw. Well done indeed. I have done some solo sailing and boat handling with a Bav 41 - similar situation to yours and it can sometimes be very challenging to get the mooring/docking just right. Especially Med-mooring in Greece. It is essential to think through and prepare every line and fender carefully, then plan out exactly how you are going to execute the manoeuvre. You give great demonstrations, with articulate, fluent commentary. Bravo!! Once thank you.
Far too kind Capt. My Bavaria was a very forgiving boat, and took good care of me as I climbed a steep learning curve. I recently sold the Bavaria for a smaller, but much faster boat. I am in the process of converting it into a fast, but uncomfortable cruiser. I'm looking froward to getting underway on this next chapter. You are cleared to descend and maintain 6 feet, slow to 5 kts, squawk VFR and monitor Ch 16. ;-)
@@patricklaine6958 Very good!! Hahaha!
@@patricklaine6958 Roger that Skipper, I am not far behind you... line astern, heading for the horizon ;-)
You're the man Patrick. I love your encouraging attitude!
Humble and smart, we need more of you Patrick!
Just solo sailing a 40' yacht is impressive enough. The docking solo is something else entirely. Nice!
It's been great fun learning how to do this JD. Get out there on your own!
You are a very brave man to travel out at sea alone. You obviously have learned a tremendous amount of skills and insight in the world of.sailing to have the confidence to be out alone at sea. I love your videos because you take your viewers through all your decision making; triumphs,; some defeats and the beauty surrounding you during your passages. Even when your tired and been up all night you have the strength to sit in front of your camera and give the viewer an update of your situation. Thank you for your dedication to making your videos!⚓️⛵️🐬
Oh no Donna. It's not about courage or bravery. Just about anyone can do this. Really. I'm embarrassed if I made it look too hard or dangerous. The objective is to show that this can be done, solo, without taking abnormal risks (and by someone who is far from being an expert). I'm glad you enjoyed watching. Cheers.
Biggest lesson. Never be overpowered.
Reef early, reef often. :-)
@@patricklaine6958 I saw another sailing channel recently that said "If you've even thought about reefing then do it"
I feel like I should be paying you for these sailing lessons. Thank you.
Thanks Patrick. Your videos are very educational and clearly delivered. Looking forward to more!
Many thanks Mark. As an 'intermediate' level sailor, I made a lot of mistakes ---- but had great fun and learned a lot. Glad you got something out of them.
This video was so encouraging for someone aspiring to solo sail. Thanks!
Strangely, this is one of my favorite videos from your channel. Thank you!
Just excellent, I'm a new solo sailor & looking forward to feeding my passion... :-)
Just spent 4hrs watching your venture(s) thoroughly enjoyed all - fair winds and happy sailing!
Wow, not even my wife can put up with me for that long David! Thanks for watching, and very pleased you enjoyed them. Best. Patrick
Best video ever Patrick. Well done and amazing tips you give here! WELL DONE!
Patrick - thank you, great videos and YES! Please post more next season, I really enjoyed these a lot.
Bon voyage!
Your videos are very well done and you an inspiration to all. Docking is like landing a plane, always be prepared to go around again. See you next season !
It is surprising how similar the final 20 seconds of sailing, and the final 20 seconds of flying are. I recall having great flight off the carrier; perfect rendezvous, excellent formation flying, professional radio calls, on-target practice bombing, and even a 'win' in dogfighting on the way home, only to have the overall memory of the flight tarnished by a mediocre landing. Same thing happens in sailing. Botching the arrival takes the shine off an otherwise excellent day. :-) Thanks for watching Len.
Thank you very much for your series. Already Subscribed and Alerted! Great videos and I am learning a lot. I am 65 and the cruising bug has bitten. Just need to save up to get a boat and also, importantly, learn to sail. You have motivated me even more than I was!
Many thanks Glen. I am sure you will enjoy the adventure once you get your feet wet.
I just moved up quite a bit is size from a 27' with outboard and tiller to 35'6" with inboard diesel and wheel. I backed in smartly on on my first attempt. I credit watching your videos to give me the confidence and pratical examples. I want to thank you!
You've made my day Chuck. Of course, every boat and every marina will have their own personalities; the trick is to get out there and practice --- to learn those personalities well enough so that one has confidence going into the berth. Thanks for commenting.
Super helpful videos. Wishing you fair winds, sunshine and gentle seas. Thank you.
Thank you Patrick for this series. I enjoyed it immensely, and have learned a lot. I am not yet a sailor. Just thinking about possibilities for upcoming retirement.
Great Videos. I'm an aspiring solo sailor and your videos give a great feel for what it is really like, very watchable, feels like you're bringing the viewer with you.
Great. Many thanks for the encouragement Chris. You bring up a good point being an 'aspiring solo sailor'. In fact, any sailor who wants to go out with friends and family should build confidence in their abilities to handle all situations from departure to arrival. Even if you are with other people, they often have very little experience and even basic line handling priorities often exceed their knowledge level. (I once went to help a boat arrive and the 'line handler' threw me the stern line first as they headed into the slip. If she had understood (and been well-briefed on) the maneuver, she would have realized that a stern line is next to useless when arriving in a slip. With either the midship line or the bow line, I could have helped control the boat into the slip.) Thus, I am delighted that you want to develop your 'solo' sailor skills, and that my videos may have been of some modest assistance. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing your experience in such a modest, straightforward way. 👍
Thank you Patrick for the fantastic video. Great demonstration and explanation of your method. I will be busy practicing this.
I'm not a sailor yet but one day will be!, and I must say your channel is the best on the web re sailing, full respect Sir!
Many thanks John. I'm far from being a qualified instructor --- but hope my practices will fill in some gaps and inspire others to take lessons and get out there. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for sharing loved watching your journey
Many thanks for the kind remark Barry. Best to you.
A professional makes it look easy. Thank you Patrick. You are a true gent.
Very graceful , nicely done Patrick. Fun to watch.
I think one of the most important lessons to be learned is this:
make sure you know what the wind and the current is going to do with your boat. Think about what will happen and what you want to do about it.
Fantastic series Patrick. Very well done on the passages and the filming. You are a natural and your style relaxed with very clear descriptions. Please dont change!
All singlehanders have to develop their own docking and exit techniques. Thanks for sharing yours. Each boat is different and is shorter or longer with differing deck layout etc etc. Also the docks vary hugely from place to place. I would say to any sailor starting as a singlehander, practice, practice, practice not just docking but all evolutions and throwing lines to cleats etc. If you have a mate or crew aboard then ask them to stand by while you try a new move. This can build your confidence and avoid accidents if it goes horribly wrong. Never be afraid to go around and try again, or ask for help from shoreside if its there. Once you have mastered the first and last 50m of a passage the rest is usually straight forward if you are a competant sailor. Before my first singlehanded passage a friend of mine from La Rochelle told me to stop fretting about the boat. If I had done all my prep and had my spares then the weakest link is always the human. The ship is far more capable then the flesh n blood so trust her and your preparations so this will help your confidence.
Massive thank you for NOT fishing and explaining why. I feel the same way about killing endangered species at sea. I have unsubscribed from most sailing channels for this reason. Very refreshing to find another who has a conscience about humans damaging the oceans and their inhabitants.
Looking forward to your next series. More evolutions videos please! Happy moons'ls. Nick
Thanks NIck. You sound very much like my first flight instructor, "Once you have mastered the first and last 50m of a passage the rest is usually straight forward..." :-) I can only but agree with your comments. The only way to get confidence in these things is to get out and practice, and then again, and again. It is sad to see so many sailboats in marinas that never leave port. I think a large part of the explanation is that owners have lost confidence in their abilities to do the port maneuvers. Many thanks fro watching Nick.
Very helpful thanks for showing that the more the merrier as far as examples I hope you’re enjoying your time sailing I can’t wait to do that myself
Best sailing video I have seen. And finally someone docking solo on a bigger boat without a crew or staff waiting for them. Excellent. subscribed. Going to go through all your videos!
Just like Captain Ron!
Nice job.
:-) Now there's a guy who has mastered the art of no stress docking! Thanks for watching Ojibway.
They say if your heart isn't beating faster while docking, your not doing it right
Merci beaucoup Patrick! Your Videos really help me and prep me mentally to get ready for some solo sailing in the future.
Bon Vent a Toi!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I really enjoy your videos which I find very useful.
Looking forward to next season.
Cheers Gil. Very nice of you to say so. Fair winds.
Could you set up three arresting cables across your slip? Go for the second wire! :D Greetings from NYC!
In the US Navy, we (almost) always targeted the 3 wire; in the French Navy we always targeted the two wire. On Isabelle, we're just happy to find the berth and crash into it any way I can.
@@patricklaine6958 ''we're just happy to find the berth and crash into it any way I can'' i laughed at that!
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the boat the next day, it's an outstanding landing. @@patricklaine6958
Thoroughly enjoy watching these and I’m learning a lot, so YES PLEASE keep making these. They are very helpful and educational!
Very kind of you Perry. Thanks
Spoke to soon ... You covered that later.
Like your style, very humble and approachable....
Thanks very much Patrick, a great series on your solo sailing adventures.
Many thanks JJS. I greatly appreciate your encouragement.
You have the most useful and educational sailing channel on UA-cam. Thank you for sharing all that you do!
Sad to see the series come to an end but really looking forward to all future seasons and episodes.. learnt lots from my airchair, can't wait to put those docking techniques into practice, one of the best sailing channels I have seen. Thank you soooooo much for sharing your adventure
I love your videos, Patrick, easy to follow and a great way to refresh or revise boat handling skills, coming from a guy with over 10 years being out on the water.
I've enjoyed your videos very much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and candour..Cheers
Much appreciated Robert.
Thanks very much Patrick, I have really enjoyed the series and look forward to the next.
Alan
Delighted you liked them. Thanks for the kind feedback.
Excellent series of videos! Please keep filming. All the best
Much appreciated HaveFun. Cheers.
Patrick, you have one of the best sailing channels on UA-cam, very informative.⛵️👍
Patrick, thank you for sharing, please continue. The information you provide is really very interesting and useful. I love watching your channel.
Very kind Robert. Much appreciated.
Merci! Patrick, I truly enjoy watching your vlogs. They are informative, educational and your candor is refreshing. Keep up the great sailing experience. Be safe!
Much appreciated Roger. Fair winds to you.
Just found you Patrick, merci boucoup. Very helpful, we are new to “big” boat sailing and are having difficulty at dock. Good tips even if not single handed.
I find your material absolutely riveting, and I was glued to my seat for the Azores series. Awesome style of teaching. Thanks so much Patrick!
Thanks for the kind feedback David. Much appreciated.
Brilliant videos, really enjoyed watching them. Understated educational enjoyable. Please make lots more
Many thanks for the kind thoughts David.
I cannot express, how very useful, helpful, and enjoyable all your videos are. Thank you!!
Thanks for the kind feedback. Much appreciated.
You did a fantastic job I learn by watching other people and watching you I learned a lot.
You made my day Grant. Thanks
Here here! Awesome! Love your videos. And your docking techniques are spot on. Thank you, will employ.
Thanks Scott. Every port has its own unique quirks, so obviously, no solution will be universal. Things can get complicated quickly when you are trying to dock or depart solo, so for me, any strategy has to be simple. I'm delighted you may have picked up an idea or two here.
Really useful techniques, many thanks for sharing your knowledge Patrick 👍🏼🙏🏻
Thanks African Flight Star. Every solo sailor will need to develop a technique that works for him/her. Mine is not the prettiest, but gets me home. :-)
You've been brilliant, I've enjoyed being on your adventure with you.... thank you
Warren
Many thanks Warren. Thanks for watching.
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Wow, was this a helpful video. You are building my confidence to get out there and do this thing alone. Many, many thanks. Peace & fair winds
Very kind of you Kia. I'm glad your confidence is built by this. One of my objectives of making this series is to show that you don't need the skills/experience of a Volvo Ocean Racer to go out and have fun (and be safe). Fair winds to you.
Hi Patrick, greetings from Australia. Yet another excellent video, most informative. Looking forward to more . Congrats
Thanks Ding Duck. I appreciate the encouragement. Best regards
Thank you as a new day skipper this was very very useful. It's the first video of yours I've seen but am going to check out some more right now. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind feedback Arch.
From Ontario Canada....I just finished watching your series and have to say you did an amazing
job with it and hope you keep bringing more out. I'm subscribing and thumbs up
Very kind of you Darryl. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thanks Patrick! It kind a inspires me, because I think about a solo trip for a long time ... very sympathetic ! Thanks a lot !
Many thanks for the kind feedback Robert. Much appreciated.
Brilliant!!!! Thank you Thank you!!!! I have been playing over in my mind how I'm going to solo dock and suddenly your vid appears. Perfect!
Many thanks BMX. Film some of your arrivals and share them with us. :-) Fair winds.
I’m always looking for docking tips. You video was great! I hope you make more. You’re a natural instructor. Thank you. - Jim
Many thanks Jim. Of course, every marina and every boat will require its own unique technique, but I'm delighted if this gives you some ideas. Thanks for watching.
I have watched all your videos and I find them very inspiring and educational. One day I will set off on my own!
Thanks for the kind feedback Leonard.
Great video, thanks for sharing your experience! I sail a 25ft and docking is always a stressful moment, but you gave me some valuable insight, I'll put it into use! Thanks again and godspeed!
Super Yuri. Many thanks for watching and the kind words of encouragement.
Thanks so much Patrick, your videos are so great. Just discovered them a couple of days ago and cannot stop watching. Fair winds!
Welcome aboard Philipp! I've been having too much fun these last few years! This should be illegal.
Wow! Just wow! Thank you for doing this Patrick!! Really enjoyed the series. Quite helpful to learn and live vicariously through more experienced sailors, as I am just a budding sailor. Thanks again!
Much appreciated John. Formal lessons with a professional (either solo, or as a member of a crew) will greatly accelerate the learning process and enhance security. But once you build a bit of confidence, you just have to cast off the lines and go for it. That's what I did, and I'm having a great time. Fair winds to you.
Okay, I’m way behind time but would just like to say how inspiring this series was. Absolutely fantastic, thank you Patrick. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Thanks.
Thank you so much! I have watched a few of your videos and as I will be a solo sailor you have given me heaps of confidence to be able to manage a yacht of your size. Thank you from Shanghai and i look forward to your next solo sailing video!
Much appreciated Justin. Take some lessons from a pro, then get out there on your own. You'll love it.
excellent demonstration and explanation. Really great skills to know and practice. NOt every dock or condition will be the same and you explained it really well.
Many thanks Tony. As you say, every marina will has its own 'character' and require adaptations to the procedures. I think a good first step is to go out with a pro in your local marina for some coaching (specifying SOLO procedures). Then it's just a question of practice to build one's confidence. Thanks for watching.
All these comments are spot on. One of the most informative videos on UA-cam!! Well done and thank you.:)
Much appreciated Tony. Comments like this provide the encouragement to try to do something like this again. Best regards.
Thank you for the blooper inclusion! The honest is refreshing and appreciated! Your videos are awesome and inspirational. I’ve learned so much already and I just started watching. I’m excited to learn more and practice what you’re demonstrating. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind feedback Curt. There is much to learn from the many bloopers in my videos. :-)
VERY GOOD JOB, LEARNED A LOTI like how you are very precise in your communications and speech even when you were tired.
Very kind of you Web. I'm delighted you enjoyed them. Fair winds to you my friend.
Great video Patrick. Thanks for sharing. I personally found this very helpful.
Much appreciated Chris. Kind feedback.
Good job Captain ,amazing technique.
Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Hawaiian islands.
I agree with CK H: the most important point of moving- getting stopped. Well done Sir. Good sailing.
I found your stream just yesterday and I've been binge-watching since then. I wanted to comment on this one since it deals with the less glamorous yet essential skills for docking. Always a stressful situation but your insights and sharing of your error are so valuable to others. Cheers/salut, and looking forward to completing all the vids and waiting for new ones.
Very kind of you David.
Merci beaucoup Mssr. Laine, please do continue your fine work on your next passage, wherever Isabelle may take you!
Je vous en remercie. Thanks for the kind words.
Fantastically realistic, thank you Patrick for the unrehearsed exercise, very honest of you. My Best, I will follow you.
Many thanks Sergio. Much appreciated.
Thank you! I appreciate your videos as I am new to sailing in the US in the Great Lakes region. Fair winds and following seas!
Many thanks MToto. Much appreciated.
Great channel. Very unpretentious. Thanks for sharing what you've learned. Also, you have the best commentators. Many of them share their knowledge and experience that one must normally purchase a book to get. Thank you for putting the vids up.
I fully agree Lightning. The comments have been brilliant, taught me a great deal, and caused me to reconsider several important aspects of sailing. I was afraid I was going to get just the usual internet download of vulgarity and insults. I have been absolutely delighted by the very high quality of the remarks, so much so, that I am tempted to do something like this again next Spring when I make another long passage. Thanks for watching.
Patrick's videos about sailing are so practical, down to earth and delivered in a genuine and humble way too. Keep em coming buddy.
Very kind of you Alien. Much appreciated.
I realise this vid is over 2yrs old now but your piece is timeless. Having crossed multiple oceans, the one thing that puts more anxiety than any 65kt/9m swell is docking. Your vid has inspired me to go it alone... what could possibly go wrong?! Thank you Patrick
Great video as always. Interesting, educational and honest. thanks Patrick. Nice to see someone else who has no problem highlighting mistakes :)
Cheers Chris. In the last 2 years I've probably docked 'parallel' to the pontoon 25 times in conditions with the wind blowing me off hard. I've missed the cleat with my line on at least a half dozen occasions...... Ego is dented a bit, but I just circle around and go for it again, and forget about it over a beer. Thanks for watching.
Love your videos, Patrick. I'm a singlehander myself and I really appreciate the hints an tips you give to us viewers...especially docking maneuvers! Always stressful, usually needing two or more attempts in my case. Can't wait to see your next series!
Very kind of you Patrick. Many thanks.
Just binge watched your trip to the Azores and back to Spain, wonderful footage and great sailing skills. Took me back twenty years when I and some friends charted yachts from Crinan and sailed around the west coast of Scotland Island hopping, happy days. Watching your clips brought it all back to me. Great stuff, many thanks.
In later episodes I sail thorugh the Hebrides as well Donald. Twice in fact! Very lovely place, but winds are a bit irregular.
Great video, I sail alone, my boat is only 29 feet, so generally I can get a line on the cleat and motor forward on that. I have often considered a bigger boat but docking solo has always put me off. The method you clearly demonstrated I will practice and who knows, maybe i will get a bigger boat. very useful video and very well made. Thank you.
Also.....great educational videos. Please keep it up. 100% better than most on you tube.
Very kind of you Emma. Much appreciated.
great instructions, specially in ''Les Minimes''...! Wind and traffic can be challenging. Thanks for the work and the help!
We are entering the season at Les Minimes where almost every arrival will be a challenge (with strong wind off the finger and into my neighbor's boat in my case). A bit of stress there…….but one that is surmountable. :-)
well done, it was a pleasure to watch you.
Many thanks Geoffrey. Your kind remark is much appreciated.
Very much enjoyed your account of your trip to the Azores. As others have commented, very informative. I hope you go on to share other journeys with us wanna be sailors.
You've made my day Colin. Thanks for watching.
Hi Patrick. I am really delighted to see such a calm but yet clear and focused sailsman like you of course are. It was both fun and helping to watch your movie. I look forward to enjoying your next episode. Thanks for your effort on making and sharing your great movies and expertise.
Thanks for the kind thoughts Centox. Much appreciated.
So glad to have found your channel. Future solo sailor here. Your videos have provided great info and fill me with an added confidence to do this myself. Thanks Patrick.
Very kind of you. Many thanks BitJam.
A brilliant series. A real inspiration. I haven't had the confidence to solo sail, but I am a lot closer having watched you. Merci
I'm delighted to hear that Steve. I can assure you, the first few times I went out solo, I was extremely nervous. Those first few times, choose days with 8-10 kts of wind, just to keep everything well under control, and to have an easy port maneuver to do. Thanks for watching.
That journey of yours, coming back from the Azores had me worried and you just calmly toughed out that gale for so many hours, but then being a fighter pilot must have its moments as well! Thank you so much for these very instructive videos.
Many thanks for the kind thoughts Georges. The lessons I learned on the Azores trip well-prepared me for much more challenging passages in the seasons that followed. Experience is a great teacher.