A crosswind (beam wind) is every skipper’s arch-enemy. ⚠️ Just as you come alongside the pontoon, a gust can ruin your manoeuvre. The trick is not to fight it but to use it in your favour! We show you the techniques that will save your boat and your pride. 💪
The law of inertia and speed
- Go into the manoeuvre with more speed than you think. A speed slightly above normal gives you more momentum and makes you more manoeuvrable than the wind.
- Careful: control your speed as you approach the pontoon with very brief bursts of reverse.
Make the wind your ally
- If the wind pushes you onto the pontoon: approach at a very narrow angle and use reverse to “brake” the boat just before it touches the quay.
- If the wind pushes you off the pontoon: come in at a wider angle than usual, letting the wind “push” you gently towards the quay.
The key: the approach line (spring)
A crew member must secure the spring (bow or stern line) as soon as possible. This line lets you pivot the boat or hold it against the pontoon while you secure the other lines.
Don’t give up at the first attempt
If the manoeuvre gets complicated, abort it decisively. Go back into the basin, calm down and start the manoeuvre again from the beginning. A wise skipper knows when to back off!
Master the art of docking!
It’s the manoeuvre repeated most often in the practical sessions, and the one that gives you most peace of mind once you’ve mastered it. Book your advanced practice hours with us. ⚓ See advanced practical sessions