You’re going on a boating vacation for the first time and have never sailed before. You need to consider the wind, currents, and other boats. We understand this can be daunting, so we’re happy to give you some tips.
Step 1: Proper Preparation
A good preparation ensures that you can dock without stress. Staying calm is crucial when docking. Reduce your speed before entering the harbor. Don’t forget to activate your bow thruster.
Once in the harbor, hang the fenders overboard. Place one fender at the bow, two in the middle, and one fender all the way at the stern of the boat. This prevents the boat from being damaged when it touches the dock.
Next, prepare the lines. The easiest way is to lay down a line at the bow, one in the middle, and one at the stern. This allows you to quickly throw a line to the shore or loop it around a bollard.
Step 2: Mooring the boat in strong winds
Always consider the wind while sailing. You can determine the wind direction from the Varen met Sil flag at the bow. Look around to estimate wind strength.
If the wind blows you towards the shore, you are on the leeward side (lagerwal). If the wind blows you away from the shore, you are on the windward side (hogerwal).
When possible, moor bow into the wind. This keeps the boat more manageable, especially with a bow thruster.
Step 3: Mooring the boat
In step two, we checked where the wind is coming from. We now use this information to moor as safely as possible.
Mooring on leeward (downwind) side
When mooring on the leeward side, the boat is blown towards the shore. You can therefore use the wind. Position the boat parallel to the shore and let it gently drift towards the shore.
Mooring on windward (upwind) side
When mooring on the windward side, the boat is blown away from the shore. It’s wise to first secure the bow (front) of the boat to the shore using a bow line (spring line). This line runs from the front of the boat to the shore towards the back. Approach the shore at a 45-degree angle and secure the bow line. Once you’ve secured this line, you can gently apply throttle. The line will come under tension, and as you steer away from the shore, the stern (back) of the boat will also come to rest against the shore. Once the stern is against the shore, you can also secure an aft line. Always ensure there is a line forward and aft.
Mooring in a berth (box)
If you want to reverse into a berth, keep the rudder straight and use the bow thruster to maneuver. If you want to position the stern of the boat at the pier, steer away from the pier with the rudder and gently apply a little forward throttle.
When mooring in a berth, it’s important to secure the boat first to the side where the wind is coming from. Do this with a line from the boat towards the back. Once you’ve secured this line, you can gently apply forward throttle, and the boat will remain against the pier.
The most beautiful places to moor your boat
In Friesland, there are many beautiful jetties and marinas for overnight stays. If you want to stay in nature, there’s a good chance you’ll stay at a Marrekrite location. Marrekrite is the recreation authority for the Frisian water and land. They provide and maintain facilities.
Throughout Friesland, you’ll find about 300 Marrekrite locations with mooring places where you can dock your boat for free. Which Marrekrite spot will you stay at? Check it out on this map.