Grady Fest 20141st Mate Docking Duties

DISCLAIMER These are strategies we use Not necessarily by the book

Tide Pirate Docking Strategies

1. Ready the lines – 5 to 6 linesa. 1 for each stern clean (2)b. 1 for each bow cleat (2)c. 1 for mid-ship cleat (1-2)d. Have a boat hook ready on bow of boat for pilings

2. Docking Locationa. Typically stern inb. Will finger pier be on port or starboard? (Determines

where 5th line (mid-ship) will go)

Prepare

Cleat the Lines - Eye (loop) Direction

CLEAN NOT SO CLEAN (but good for Stern)

Prepare Stern Lines for Cross Tie

Cleat the Lines – Rails

DOUBLE BAD

UNDER RAILLine needs to be outside the rail when tied to the dock

1.Pull through each line and prep them for tossing2.Leave enough length on cleat end for clean toss3.Line Length – book says 2/3 length of boat. Ours

are 25 ft for stern and 40 ft for bow; shorter for spring lines

Ready Lines for Tossing

1. Hand/Toss Stern line to dock master 1st

a. The book says not to tie lines to the boat until after tossing to dock master – sounds great but I put my trust in the captain to control the boat and find it easier to have all lines tied off on the boat prior to toss

2. Give them the mid-cleat line as well if possible

a. Purpose of Spring Line?

As You Stern In

1. Move to bow of boat and prepare to catch a piling

a. Lasso vs. Loop & Longer Bow Linesb. The Cheaterc. The Captaind. Using a Boat Hooke. Tie bow off very loosely until stern is

positioned

As You Stern In

1.Only one captain at a timea. Don’t let crew or dockhands distract from your routine

with the captain

2.Establish predictable docking communications between you & the captaina. Be sure you both agree on the what the standard

communications meanb. May be verbal or hand signals

Additional Tips

1. Fenders: We typically wait until tied up but can be readied beforehand

a. Your typically in fairly protected waters at docks

2. Recheck all lines after boat is secureda. Ensure good tie offsb. Allow slack for tides if dock is not floating

3. Never ward off a dock with a body part

Additional Tips

Cleat Hitch

Happy Docking!