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Docking Course

DOCKING COURSE – SAILING YACHT

Intensive three-day practical training focused exclusively on marina docking maneuvers, approach techniques, and confident vessel control at low speeds.

Duration3 days
AccommodationNot included
ParticipantsMax. 6
Price300-500 EUR
LocationPunat, Krk Island
PrerequisitesNone
Sailboat Docking Course
NAS Sailing Center

Course Format

3 DAYS – INTENSIVE PRACTICAL MARINA DOCKING TRAINING

  • Locations: Punat
  • Sailing yacht: Salona 45 (2003)
  • Group: 4–6 participants
  • Schedule: 9–17

Course Objectives

  • Precise stern and alongside docking: approach, centering, timely slowing down and stopping.
  • Safe and controlled maneuvering in a marina at low speeds.
  • Understanding the influence of wind and lateral drift and correct selection of angle and approach to the berth.
  • Well-coordinated communication and distribution of crew roles (lifting and securing mooring lines, stern mooring lines, fenders).
  • Correct use of springs and leverage and rotation around fenders for controlled departure.
  • Fast and orderly handling of lines: preparation before approach, tying, releasing and safe departure from the berth.

Course Program

1 DAY 1: PREPARATORY VESSEL CONTROL EXERCISES FOR FEELING MOVEMENT AND RESPONSE

  • Low-speed exercises to understand inertia, stopping distance, "delayed" vessel response and propeller walk.
  • Reverse maneuvering: maintaining course, rudder corrections and speed control without abrupt changes.
  • Controlled turns and change of direction in confined space to develop a sense of rotation and lateral drift.
  • Assessment of wind influence on maneuvering and selection of timing and position to start the maneuver.

2 DAY 2: DOCKING STRUCTURE AND BASIC MANEUVERS

  • Selection of docking direction according to wind direction.
  • Stern docking: approach, stopping, vessel alignment on berth axis and working with stern mooring lines and moorings.
  • Multiple repetitions of full dockings for consistent procedure and confident execution.
  • Maneuvers in more demanding conditions: crosswind, confined space, corrections during maneuver and safe abort.

3 DAY 3: SIMULATION OF REAL SITUATIONS AND ADVANCED CORRECTIONS

  • Alongside docking and departure: positioning along the quay, fenders, mooring lines and springs and safe, controlled departure.
  • Use of springs, leverage and rotation around fenders for precise positioning along the quay and controlled departure.
  • Anchoring and buoy mooring: preparation, crew coordination and correct securing of the vessel.

Note: The course program may change depending on weather conditions. The instructor will adapt the plan if necessary in order to ensure, in the given circumstances, the highest possible level of safety and course quality.